Q.1 What is a REALTOR®?
A:  Anyone licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission can conduct real estate transactions in Texas. However, holding a real estate agent's or real estate broker's license does not make someone a REALTOR®. To earn that distinction, a professional must abide by the strict REALTOR® Code of Ethics developed by the National Association of REALTORS®. The Code of Ethics establishes a standard of behavioral expectations that exceeds legal requirements, ensuring REALTORS® honor and respect clients' interests.

Q.2 What is the Austin Board of REALTORS®?
A:  Founded in 1926, the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) has established a community of cooperative networks among more than 8,500 REALTORS® in Central Texas. ABoR supports the REALTOR® community with outstanding legislative representation, education offerings, industry related products and networking opportunities.

ABoR is the local counterpart of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. As an organization of professional business leaders, we work to consistently deliver valuable resources to our members, strengthen our position as one of the nation's premier real estate associations and help facilitate the dream of homeownership for Central Texans.

Q.3 How does the Austin Board of REALTORS® impact Central Texas?
A:  A non-profit organization with over 8,500 members, ABoR has been serving the needs of both Austin REALTORS® and consumers for over 80 years. In addition to providing first-rate education and certified REALTOR® designations, ABoR also operates the ABoR Foundation, a charitable organization that helps REALTORS® and homeowners in need and provides college scholarships for deserving high school graduates.

ABoR also hosts Austinhomesearch.com, the most trusted resource for people seeking homes in Central Texas. Our Web site features a comprehensive tool for searching residential listings in the Austin area. Buying a home is one of the most important lifetime investments, and we want to make this process as smooth as possible. By teaming up with a qualified REALTOR®, we know Central Texans can find the home of their dreams.

Q.1 Why is a public awareness campaign needed?
A:   Through research the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) has discovered a misperception and lack of awareness among consumers about the value of REALTORS® and the full range of service and expertise they provide. REALTORS® must be viewed as a helpful and trusted source despite changes in the real estate market.

Q.2 How is ABoR working to improve the REALTOR® image?
A:   Our aggressive advertising campaign can be seen and heard on television, radio, billboards, the Internet, in print and more. The goal is to reach as many Austin-area consumers as possible with the message that REALTORS® are necessary and valuable in today's real estate transactions. Click here to see some examples.

Q.3 How can I get involved in ABoR's campaign?
A:   It's simple - help spread the message. Use the tools available here to educate your clients, discuss it with your colleagues and stand with ABoR as we help set the story straight on the value of REALTORS® in Austin. Have questions about the campaign or the communication tools available? E-mail the ABoR Marketing and Communications Department.

Q.1 What is TREPAC and why must I invest?
A:   TREPAC is an acronym for Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee. All major associations and industries have political action committees. Elected officials and regulatory bodies are targets of severe lobbying on a daily basis to change public policy. Every legislative or regulatory change has a positive or negative affect on some one or some industry.

The real estate industry is one most heavily regulated industries in this country; it is essential that REALTORS® as a voluntary organized association be organized and be proactive to advise elected officials and influence public policy in order to accomplish three things - protect private property rights , protect the Real Estate licensee and the most importantly the home buyer. A well-intentioned law can have unintended consequences on a REALTOR®.

Your minimum voluntary investment of $40 is one of the most effective ways to raise funds to support candidates, elected officials and issues that promote the interests of the consumer and the REALTOR®. The $40 investment is on your annual ABoR dues billing and is a voluntary investment. We call it an investment because you are investing in your profession and the principles of private property rights and a market driven economy. Your investment finances political campaigns of endorsed candidates, advocacy programs and activities that inform the public and the political leadership of who we are and how we are contributing to the community and the economy.

Q.2 Is ABoR a tool for a specific political party or agenda?
A:   The short answer is no, we are not. The Austin Board of Realtors as well as many REALTOR® organizations is issue oriented a driven. We offer all political parties and candidates the opportunity to promote the REALTOR® agenda. ABoR supports candidates and issues that support vital REALTOR® issues that will affect the general membership or the local economy and the homeowner. Partisan politics has no place for an association that exists to support its members in delivering the best products and services for a client to achieve the American Dream.

Q.3 Why isn't ABoR more involved in certain issues important to me?
A:   ABoR, just like the Texas Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, monitors the political and economic environment for trends and issues that will have an impact on our profession and the home buying public. We have limited resources and time so we examine issues that will benefit the entire membership and the consumer. The issues we choose usually will have a long-term impact on the profession as well as the consumer.

Loyalty to clients;
Fiduciary (legal) duty to clients;
Cooperation with competitors;
Truthfulness in statements and advertising; and
non-interference in exclusive relationships that other REALTORS® have with their clients.

Q.3 How do I file a complaint if I believe a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics?
A: Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.

If you still feel you have a grievance, you many want to consider filing an ethics complaint. An ethics complaint must be filed within 180 days from the time a complainant knew (or reasonably should have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place. Complaints must cite one or more articles of the Code of Ethics that may have been violated. Your complaint should include a narrative description of the circumstances that lead you to believe the Code of Ethics may have been violated. Click here to access an Ethics Complaints Form.

Q.1 Must I include the name of my firm in an newspaper ad or on myWeb site? What about my broker's name?
A:   NAR's Code of Ethics requires that the name of the firm be included in advertisements of listed properties. Furthermore, TREC rules prohibit an advertisement which in any way implies that a salesperson is the person responsible for the operation of a real estate brokerage. The broker's name should also be included in any advertisement to avoid violating this rule.

Q.2 Am I required to include my license number in my ads?
A:   According to the Texas Real Estate License Act, a licensee must identify himself as a real estate broker or salesperson in any advertisement the licensee publishes. Use of the term REALTOR® by REALTOR® members is sufficient to identify oneself as a broker or salesperson.

Q.3 How can I e-mail information on my new listing or advertisements to Austin REALTORS®? Can I buy an e-mail list from ABoR?
A:   ABoR does not provide member e-mail addresses. In light of the FTC's CAN-SPAM Act, we advise members to be very cautious in sending out mass e-mails. For more information on the CAN-SPAM Act, visit the FTC's Web site.

Every week, ABoR receives feedback from frustrated members who are overwhelmed with junk e-mail. By distributing unsolicited messages, you could be encouraging other agents to block your e-mail address. This can create far-reaching problems for your business. Once an agent has blocked your address, any messages you send to him or her will automatically be moved to a junk e-mail folder or deleted. The breakdown in agentto- agent communication can be devastating, particularly since many REALTORS® prefer to communicate electronically.

Although e-mail can be a powerful tool, improper use turns it into a destructive force. When sending e-mails, ABoR advises that you limit your messages to agents who have expressed an interest in receiving your mailings.

Q.1 Do I have to include the registered trademark (®) whenever I use the term REALTOR®?
A:   Yes. To protect the exclusiveness and integrity of these marks, you have an obligation under the Trademark Protection Program to notify the public of the marks' special meaning by your proper use of them. The marks are valuable assets, but will remain valuable only as long as they continue to distinguish members of NAR from nonmembers. Most news media will not use all caps or registration symbols in news or feature articles. However, all advertisements should be submitted and printed with all caps and the registration symbol. For more information on how to properly use the REALTOR® marks, click here .

Q.2 May I use the REALTOR® block R logo on myWeb site?
A:   You can certainly use the REALTOR® block R logo on your Web site to indicate your membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. However, the REALTOR® logo should not be used as hypertext links on a Web site as such uses can suggest an endorsement or recommendation of the linked site by your association. The only exception would be to establish a link to the National Association's Web site, Realtor.com.

Q.3 Do you have a larger version of the ABoR member logo?
A:   The ABoR member logo may be reduced or enlarged proportionately; however, it may not be used as the primary logo and may not be more than 20% of the area on which it is placed. The version available on Abor.com is suitable for most purposes. ABoR reserves the right to approve usage of the logo. Should you have questions regarding the file format available, contact the ABoR Marketing and Communications.

Q.1 What dispute resolution services does ABoR offer?
A:   ABoR's Professional Standards and Grievance committees bring members and the public a means of resolving complaints when there has been a violation of the Code of Ethics. If a legal dispute arises between members or between members and their clients, ABoR offers an arbitration option that can be used in resolving complaints by members and the public. Our mediation services are a valuable alternative to costly litigation. ABoR also hears complaints from members and the public about possible violations of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Q.2 How do I file a complaint if I believe a REALTOR® has violated the Code of Ethics?
A:   Many difficulties between real estate professionals (whether REALTORS® or not) result from misunderstanding, miscommunication or lack of adequate communication. If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action.

If you still feel you have a grievance, you many want to consider filing an ethics complaint. An ethics complaint must be filed within 180 days from the time a complainant knew (or reasonably should have known) that potentially unethical conduct took place. Complaints must cite one or more articles of the Code of Ethics that may have been violated. Your complaint should include a narrative description of the circumstances that lead you to believe the Code of Ethics may have been violated. Click here to access an Ethics Complaints Form.

Q.3 What is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics?
A:   First established in 1913, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics establishes time-honored and baseline principles that come from the collective experiences of REALTORS®. Those principles can be loosely defined as:

Loyalty to clients;
Fiduciary (legal) duty to clients;
Cooperation with competitors;
Truthfulness in statements and advertising; and
non-interference in exclusive relationships that other REALTORS® have with their clients.

Q.1 What is the Austin Board of REALTORS®?
A:   Founded in 1926, the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) has established a community of cooperative networks among more than 8,500 REALTORS® in Central Texas. ABoR supports the REALTOR® community with outstanding legislative representation, education offerings, industry related products and networking opportunities.

ABoR is the local counterpart of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. As an organization of professional business leaders, we work to consistently deliver valuable resources to our members, strengthen our position as one of the nation's premier real estate associations and help facilitate the dream of homeownership for Central Texans.

Q.2 What is a REALTOR®?
A:   Anyone licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission can conduct real estate transactions in Texas. However, holding a real estate agent's or real estate broker's license does not make someone a REALTOR®. To earn that distinction, a professional must abide by the strict REALTOR® Code of Ethics developed by the National Association of REALTORS®. The Code of Ethics establishes a standard of behavioral expectations that exceeds legal requirements, ensuring REALTORS® honor and respect clients' interests.

Q.3 What are the membership requirements for joining the Austin Board of REALTORS®?
A:   ABoR offers five membership levels:

REALTOR® Membership
Individuals who hold an active real estate license and are active in the real estate profession and its recognized branches are eligible for REALTOR® membership. Individuals must be employed by or affiliated as an independent contractor with a Designated REALTOR® who has an office that is open to the public for the conduct of real estate or appraisal business.

Designated REALTOR® Membership
A sole proprietor, partner or corporate officer who holds an active Texas broker's license and is active in the real estate profession is eligible for Designated REALTOR® membership. Individuals must have no record of official sanctions involving unprofessional conduct, and no recent or pending bankruptcy. Austin/Central Texas Realty Information Service Membership Individuals who hold an active real estate license and are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may participate in the ACTRIS MLS. Multiple Listing Services are only available to secondary members if their Designated REALTOR® belongs to ACTRIS.

Affiliate Membership
An individual engaged in business allied to real estate, but who does not hold an active real estate license is eligible for Affiliate membership. Affiliate members have interests in real estate related information, are in sympathy with the objectives of ABoR and may benefit from ABoR activities. The first person from a firm joins as a Corporate Affiliate, and other staff within that firm may then join as Individual Affiliates. Corporate affiliate status includes membership in the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Texas Association of REALTORS®. Individual affiliate status provides membership in the Austin Board of REALTORS® only.

REALTOR® Assistant Membership
REALTOR® assistants who do not hold an active real estate license or an appraiser license may access the MLS by completing a REALTOR® Assistant Application. REALTOR® assistant must be sponsored by a Designated REALTOR®. Click here for details on membership costs.

Q.1 What does the ABoR Foundation do?
A: The ABoR Foundation provides annual college scholarships to qualified students of deserving background, promotes research in the field of real estate, conducts projects of a charitable nature and helps fellow REALTORS® and their families in the event of catastrophe.

Q.2 How can I contribute to the ABoR Foundation?
A: As a charitable organization, the ABoR Foundation depends on donations from persons who share its goals and visions. A number of giving options are available:

Individual donations
Memorial giving
Endorsements and planned estate giving
Life estates
Life Insurance
Non-cash asset donations

For more information on how to give or to make a contribution, contact the Austin Board of REALTORS® Foundation at 512/454-7636 or 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.

Q.3 Are donations to the Foundation tax deductible?
A: Yes. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization all contributions to the Foundation are fully deductible as charitable contributions on federal income tax returns. The Foundation's federal tax indentification is 74-1959433 and the state charter number is 00424750-01.

Q.1 How do I advertise in ABoR's monthly newsletter, Austin REALTOR®?
A:   Camera-ready display ads can be submitted to ABoR by the 15th of each month. Click here to view pricing. Classified ads are free and are only available to ABoR members. Submit your ad of 30 words or less to Marketing.

Q.2 How can I e-mail information on my new listing or advertisements to Austin REALTORS®? Can I buy an e-mail list from ABoR?
A:   ABoR does not provide member e-mail addresses. In light of the FTC's CAN-SPAM Act, we advise members to be very cautious in sending out mass e-mails. For more information on the CAN-SPAM Act, visit the FTC's Web site.

Every week, ABoR receives feedback from frustrated members who are overwhelmed with junk e-mail. By distributing unsolicited messages, you could be encouraging other agents to block your e-mail address. This can create far-reaching problems for your business. Once an agent has blocked your address, any messages you send to him or her will automatically be moved to a junk e-mail folder or deleted. The breakdown in agent to agent communication can be devastating, particularly since many REALTORS® prefer to communicate electronically.

Although e-mail can be a powerful tool, improper use turns it into a destructive force. When sending e-mails, ABoR advises that you limit your messages to agents who have expressed an interest in receiving your mailings.

Q.3 What is Realty Round Up?
A:   Realty Round Up is ABoR's annual trade show. With an average attendance of 2,000 Austin area REALTORS®, the trade show is the largest real estate related show in Central Texas. The day-long show held every fall features over 200 exhibitors and seminars on industry topics.

Q.1 What is the Austin Board of REALTORS®?
A:   Founded in 1926, the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) has established a community of cooperative networks among more than 8,500 REALTORS® in Central Texas. ABoR supports the REALTOR® community with outstanding legislative representation, education offerings, industry related products and networking opportunities.

ABoR is the local counterpart of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Texas Association of REALTORS®. As an organization of professional business leaders, we work to consistently deliver valuable resources to our members, strengthen our position as one of the nation's premier real estate associations and help facilitate the dream of homeownership for Central Texans.

Q.2 What benefits does ABoR offer its members?
A:   Thousands of individuals look to the Austin Board of REALTORS as a provider of premier resources of for real estate professionals in Central Texas. REALTORS® gain valuable industry insights from our outstanding educational programs, publications and Web sites. Surrounded by progress, ABoR also continues to keep members exposed to the most current developments in the real estate industry, including new technologies and timely legislative efforts. For complete details on member benefits, click here .

Q.3 What are the membership requirements for joining the Austin Board of REALTORS®?
A:   ABoR offers five membership levels:

REALTOR® Membership
Individuals who hold an active real estate license and are active in the real estate profession and its recognized branches are eligible for REALTOR® membership. Individuals must be employed by or affiliated as an independent contractor with a Designated REALTOR® who has an office that is open to the public for the conduct of real estate or appraisal business.

Designated REALTOR® Membership
A sole proprietor, partner or corporate officer who holds an active Texas broker's license and is active in the real estate profession is eligible for Designated REALTOR® membership. Individuals must have no record of official sanctions involving unprofessional conduct, and no recent or pending bankruptcy. Austin/Central Texas Realty Information Service Membership Individuals who hold an active real estate license and are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may participate in the ACTRIS MLS. Multiple Listing Services are only available to secondary members if their Designated REALTOR® belongs to ACTRIS.

Affiliate Membership
An individual engaged in business allied to real estate, but who does not hold an active real estate license is eligible for Affiliate membership. Affiliate members have interests in real estate related information, are in sympathy with the objectives of ABoR and may benefit from ABoR activities. The first person from a firm joins as a Corporate Affiliate, and other staff within that firm may then join as Individual Affiliates. Corporate affiliate status includes membership in the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Texas Association of REALTORS®. Individual affiliate status provides membership in the Austin Board of REALTORS® only.

REALTOR® Assistant Membership
REALTOR® assistants who do not hold an active real estate license or an appraiser license may access the MLS by completing a REALTOR® Assistant Application. REALTOR® assistants must be sponsored by a Designated REALTOR®. Click here for details on membership costs.

Q.1 Are MLXchange User Guides available?
A:   Yes, you can go to the Help button on MLXchange for a PDF copy of the User Guide. You may also purchase one from ABoR for $5.

Q.2 What products and services are available with my MLS membership?
A:   ABoR offers several products and services at no extra cost to ACTRIS members. For a complete list and descriptions of the free products and services, as well as all of our third-party vendors, click here.

Q.3 Are Advanced MLXchange classes available?
A:   Yes. The MLXchange Intro or New Member Class must be taken before you may register for an Advanced MLXchange class.

Q.1 Do you have a south location?
A:   ABoR has partnered with several neighboring REALTOR® associations to offer agents in those areas access to our MLS tools. Our partners include: Bastrop County Board of REALTORS® and Williamson County Association of REALTORS®. We also invite you to take advantage of our online tools.

Q.2 How do I change my contact information?
A:   You may change your personal contact information online at any time. Changes will be reflected immediately. Click My Account to access your information.

Q.3 What is this charge on my account?
A:   Find out what specific charges have been made to your account by visiting Abor.com and logging in to "My Account." Click on "View and Pay Invoices" and click on invoice numbers to see details.

Q.4 For tax purposes, how do I find out how much I paid in fees?
A:   Simply log in to the "My Account" section of Abor.com and click on "View and Pay Invoices" to view payment records.