WCAR is one of the oldest professional associations in Whatcom County. Founded in 1908, WCAR is also one of the oldest REALTOR® Associations in the United States and is one of 13 founding boards of the National Association of REALTORS®.
WCAR is dedicated to advancing and protecting home ownership, enforcing adherence to the NAR Code of Ethics, and elevating the level of professionalism in the real estate industry.
WCAR accomplishes these goals through robust educational opportunities for our members, political advocacy at the local, state, and national levels, and fostering professional business conditions for the success of our members and their clients.
REALTOR® Membership Has Its Benefits
Joining WCAR provides membership in three organizations: Whatcom County Association of REALTORS®, Washington REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. The three organizations provide a wealth of opportunities and benefits for our members.
EVENTS – WCAR has several annual events including our Officer Installation banquet and gala, charity golf tournament, charity bowling tournament, and monthly membership meetings. Washington REALTORS® offers the annual Legislative Day in Olympia and its Spring and Fall Business conferences providing networking and education opportunities with other Washington REALTOR® members. The National Association hosts numerous educational opportunities in various locations around the United States along with the Mid-Year Conference in Washington, D.C. and its annual Conference alternating between the East and West side of the U.S.
EDUCATION – An invitation to all WCAR-sponsored educational classes, including New Member Orientation, the required CORE and Code of Ethics classes, and other important classes that will help you reach your clock-hour requirement for license renewal.
CODE OF ETHICS – The Association enforces the National Association’s Code of Ethics to ensure a fair and professional climate in which our members and their clients can freely engage in the business of buying and selling real estate.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS – The Associations take an active role in local, state, and national fora to promote legislation advancing the causes of affordable and equal housing and other real estate related issues.
CONSUMER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT – REALTORS® are guided by their Code of Ethics to be professional in all aspects of a real estate transaction and, accordingly, we inform the public about the importance of choosing a REALTOR® to guide them through what is for many the single largest financial transactions they will undertake in their lifetime.
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY – REALTORS® enjoy access to REALTOR®.com, the nations largest database of listings enabling you to secure more listings and sell more homes. Additionally, REALTORS® have unlimited use of the Technology Helpline to assist with every aspect of buying, setting up, and maintaining all your electronic devices. The Legal Hotline also stands ready to provide legal guidance on complex legal issues arising out of transactions.
COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS – A complete list of membership benefits can be found at the following links:
Washington REALTORS® – http://www.warealtor.com/aboutus/member_benefits.asp
National Assoc. of REALTORS® – http://www.realtor.org/member-benefits