Frequently Asked Questions | Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS®

What is the REALTOR® membership process?

All member companies are responsible to have all new licensees with their firm complete and submit a membership application within 5 days of affiliation to GHAR. The application fee must accompany the completed membership application. Upon application, GHAR will invoice the applicant the pro-rated dues.

Within 60 days or within two offerings of the New Member Orientation, a new member applicant must do the following to fulfill GHAR membership requirements:

Have completed the new member application form and paid the $250 application fee
Attend New Member Orientation
Pay the pro-rated dues for the year.

What are the requirements for membership?

There are three membership requirements. All three must be completed within 60 days or two offerings of the New Member Orientation.

Have completed the new member application form and paid the $250 application fee
Attend New Member Orientation
Pay the pro-rated dues for the year.

How much time do I have to complete the New Member Orientation?

You must complete the New Member Orientation course within 60 days or within two offerings from the date of your membership application.

How often is New Member Orientation held?

GHAR holds New Member Orientation 12 times a year or approximately every four weeks.

When do I receive my NRDS number?

A National REALTOR® Database System (NRDS) number will be issued upon fulfillment of all membership requirements.

What happens if an applicant fails to complete the membership requirements?

If a new member applicant fails to complete the membership requirements within 60 days:

GHAR will notify the applicant that the membership requirements have not been met.
GHAR will notify the Designated REALTOR® that the membership requirements have not been met.
In addition, GHAR will bill the Designated REALTOR® both the application fee and the pro-rated dues amount.
If the new member applicant fulfills their membership requirements within the next 30 days, they will be deemed a REALTOR® and the Designated REALTOR® will be released from financial obligations.
If the Designated REALTOR® does not pay this amount within 30 days or place the individual’s license into escrow with the State Real Estate Commission, his/her company membership and all of its agents may be suspended by the Board of Directors.

I’m a licensed appraiser. What kind of membership do I apply for?

A licensed appraiser would apply for Designated REALTOR® membership and follow all of the REALTOR® membership requirements.

What is the difference between REALTOR® and Designated REALTOR®?

REALTOR® members hold an associate broker or a salesperson’s real estate licenses. Designated REALTORS® hold a broker’s license and is the person responsible for a real estate office.

What is the process if I was a REALTOR® member six months ago?

For individuals with a lapse in membership of one year or less, the membership process is:

All member applicants that have held a previous membership in the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS® with a lapse in membership not to exceed one year may be reinstated upon payment of their dues within 30 days. They will not be required to pay the application fee or attend the orientation course.
If the member applicant pays their dues within the next 30 days, they will be deemed a REALTOR® and the Designated REALTOR® will be released from financial obligations.
If the dues amount is unpaid within 30 days, GHAR will bill the Designated REALTOR®. If the Designated REALTOR® does not pay this amount within 30 days or place the individual’s license into escrow with the State Real Estate Commission, his/her company membership and all of its agents may be suspended by the Board of Directors.

What is the process if I was a REALTOR® member about a year ago?

For individuals with a lapse in membership of one year or more, the membership process is:

All member applicants that have had a lapse in membership in an Association of REALTORS® of one year or more must fulfill the membership requirements including payment of the application fee, attendance at New Member Orientation and payment of dues.
Upon application, GHAR will invoice the applicant the pro-rated dues.
Within 30 days or within two offerings of the New Member Orientation, a new member applicant must do the following to fulfill GHAR membership requirements:
- Have completed the new member application form and paid the $150 application fee (the state portion of the application fee – $100 – is waived)
- Attend New Member Orientation
- Pay the pro-rated dues for the year.
A National REALTOR® Database System (NRDS) number will be issued upon fulfillment of all membership requirements.
If a new member applicant fails to complete the three membership requirements within 60 days:
- GHAR will notify the applicant that the membership requirements have not been met.
- GHAR will notify the Designated REALTOR® that the membership requirements have not been met.
- In addition, GHAR will bill the Designated REALTOR® both the application fee and the pro-rated dues amount.
- If the new member applicant fulfills their membership requirements within the next 30 days, they will be deemed a REALTOR® and the Designated REALTOR® will be released from financial obligations.
- If the Designated REALTOR® does not pay this amount within 30 days or place the individual’s license into escrow with the State Real Estate Commission, his/her company membership and all of its agents may be suspended by the Board of Directors.

What is the membership process if I were a REALTOR® member in another association of REALTORS®?

For individuals with a lapse in membership of one year or less in another association, the membership process is:

All member applicants that have held a previous membership in another Association of REALTORS®, with a lapse not to exceed one year may become a member upon payment of their dues within 30 days.
They will not be required to pay the application fee or attend the orientation course provided they attended orientation at their previous Association of REALTORS®.
If the member applicant pays their dues within the next 30 days, they will be deemed a REALTOR® and the Designated REALTOR® will be released from financial obligations.
If the dues amount is unpaid within 30 days, GHAR will bill the Designated REALTOR®. If the Designated REALTOR® does not pay this amount within 30 days or place the individual’s license into escrow with the State Real Estate Commission, his/her company membership and all of its agents may be suspended by the Board of Directors.

If I have taken the New Member Orientation at another association, will GHAR’s requirement be Waived?

If you provide documentation that you have completed the Orientation course with another Association of REALTORS®, then you will be exempt from attending our Orientation course.

What are PAR and NAR?

“PAR” is the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®. “NAR” is the National Association of REALTORS®. As a REALTOR® member of GHAR, you are also a member of PAR and NAR.

What is Secondary Membership?

Secondary members hold primary membership with another local Association of REALTORS®. Secondary members would not pay national (NAR) or state (PAR) dues twice. If their primary membership isn’t with an Association within Pennsylvania, they would have the option to join PAR.

If my Broker is a Member, Do I Have to Join?

First, you would need to check with your broker and/or office manager to see what their office/franchise policy is. Some offices and franchises require that licensees affiliated with them must join as REALTOR® members. If you do not join as a REALTOR® member, you would be considered a non-member salesperson.

What is a Non-Member Salesperson?

The Broker or Designated REALTOR® is responsible to pay an assessment equal to dues. Non-members would not fill out a membership application nor attend the New Member Orientation course. They would not be allowed to use the term “REALTOR®” or use the “R” logo on any of their correspondence, signs, business cards, etc.

When are Annual Membership Dues Payable?

Membership dues are mailed out in late October – early November, and are payable by January 1 of each year. If they are not paid in full by January 1, you will be charged a $100 late fee. Additional late fees may be incurred.

What does GHAR do for me as a Member?

Each level of membership (local, state and national) offers many different benefits of membership. A few key benefits include:

Government Affairs Program keeps members informed about pending legislation.
PAR Standard Forms keeps members on the same page.
The Code of Ethics maintains a more professional industry.
The Legal Hotline assists members with questions.
Social Events allow members to socialize and network.
Press Releases clarify important local real estate news.
Connecting with other members provides valuable industry insight.
The REALTOR® trademark sets me apart.

I’m not licensed in Real Estate; can I still be a Member?

You would join as an Affiliate Member. You would be entitled to attend GHAR events and seminars as well as receive our information. A completed affiliate membership application is needed.

Is New Member Orientation required for affiliate members?

No, New Member Orientation is only applicable to REALTOR® member applicants.