MEMBER CENTER
FAQS
General
Membership
Ethics
Social Media
GENERAL
What states have reciprocity with Connecticut?
CT has reciprocity agreements with numerous states, license requirements may vary by state, so it is important for Connecticut licensees to contact the state where they are seeking recognition. Visit the following link to the CT Department of Consumer Protection’s website for up-to-date information regarding reciprocity: Click here to view
How do I register for an event?
You can register via the event tab on this website or by contacting us at 203 744-7255
Where can I access forms?
As a REALTOR® member of NFCAR, you are entitled to access CTR’s extensive forms library by using SmatMLS’s Transaction Desk software Click here
What’s my M1 ID/Number?
You use your M1 ID to confirm your REALTOR® membership when you need to access certain parts of NAR’s, CTR’s, NFCAR’s, websites or any other REALTOR® related information. Click here to Look Up your M1#
What is the difference between the National Association of REALTORS®, Connecticut REALTORS®, the Northern Fairfield County Association of REALTORS®?
The Nation Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a nationwide organization that promotes and protects the REALTOR® trademark. NAR advocates on the federal level on behalf of the interests of REALTORS® and properties owners. NAR also created the Coded of Ethics and oversaw the nationwide implementation of enforcement of the code.
Connecticut REALTORS® (CTR) advocates at the state level on behalf of Connecticut REALTORS® and property owners, as well as, working to unite the individual REALTOR Associations throughout the state. CAR also offers free legal assistance to members through its Legal Hotline.
The Northern Fairfield County Association of REALTORS® (NFCAR) works at the local level and provides direct services to its members. We offer pre-licensing and Continuing Education classes through our Real Estate School and Lunch & Learn seminars on topics related to Real Estate and many opportunities for members to network and socialize
The Smart MLS operates the MLS database “Matrix.”
What are NFCAR’s annual membership fees?
NFCAR’s fees/dues consist of local, state and national membership fees which are paid on an annual basis. REALTOR® and Affiliate membership fees are due each year on January 1st.
For members joining during the year, fees are prorated quarterly
How do I renew my membership?
The REALTOR® and Affiliate membership year for NFCAR runs from January 1st to December 31st of each year. Renewal information is distributed via email forty-five days before the due date, and reminder notices are sent to each member via email. Membership may be renewed by mailing payment to the Association office or pay online. If you have any questions about your membership with the Association, please contact the Association office at 203 744-7255 or email nfcar@nfcar.com
What is Orientation?
There are three training requirements for new REALTOR® members of the Association.
These training courses must be completed within two months (60 days) of approval of the new member’s application by NFCAR’s Board of Directors.
For more information, contact NFCAR 203-744-7255.
If my broker is not a member of the NFCAR, may I still join?
Agents must hold their primary membership in a REALTOR® association where the company’s principal or managing broker holds membership. Once an agent holds primary membership in a REALTOR® association, they may then join any other REALTOR® Association as a secondary member regardless of whether their principal or managing broker is a member or not
If I hold my primary membership in another local REALTOR® association, may I join NFCAR even though my broker is not a member of NFCAR?
Yes, as long as you hold primary membership with an Association of REALTORS® where your principal or managing broker is a member, then you may also join any other local association as a secondary member without your broker also having to join that secondary association.
What does primary membership mean?
Primary membership is an accounting term indicating that you are paying your National and State dues through that local REALTOR® Association.
What does secondary membership mean?
Secondary membership means that you are already paying your national and state dues with another local REALTOR® association.
Therefore, you only pay, local dues to the second association you wish to join in Connecticut. If you are a primary member of a local REALTOR® association outside the state of Connecticut, then you must submit the Connecticut state and local dues.
Does a secondary member receive fewer benefits than a primary member?
No, secondary members receive the same benefits as a primary member.
What is a REALTOR Emeritus?
A REALTOR® Member who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or both, for a cumulative period of forty (40) years or more and has completed at least one year of service* at the National Association is eligible for REALTOR® Emeritus status.
*Service is defined as serving as a NAR officer, director, committee member, Federal Political Coordinator, Global Ambassador, or Global Coordinator to a country which NAR holds a reciprocal agreement.
For more information, contact the Association at 203 744-7255 or email nfcar@nfcar.com
How do I comply with NAR’s Code of Ethics requirement?
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) requires all members to complete ethics training once within each 3-year cycle. Failure to complete the required periodic ethics training shall be considered a violation of a membership duty. The current ethics cycle runs Jan. 1, 2025 – Dec. 31, 2027.
Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members were established by the National Association’s Board of Directors at the 1999 Annual Convention with the following goals:
to heighten member awareness of the Code of Ethics;
to enhance professionalism and competency; and to encourage REALTORS® to view their Code of Ethics as a living, viable guide in their daily dealings with clients, customers, and the public.
For more information, visit: www.nar.realtor
Can a complaint be filed with the Association and the real estate commission at the same time?
Yes, however, any complaint filed with any state or federal agency will be heard first. Once investigated and completed, the complaint will then be considered in the Statewide Professional Standards process.
Can both an Ethics and an Arbitration Complaint be filed against a REALTOR?
Yes, both types of complaints may be filed. Ethics complaints can be filed against a REALTOR® member. Arbitration complaints may only be filed by a Designated REALTOR®/broker against another Designated REALTOR®/broker for contractual matters that are considered “mandatory” in the process.
Can I file a complaint against a non-REALTOR®?
No, the Ethics process only applies to the conduct of REALTOR® members.
I want to file a complaint against a REALTOR®, what should I do? Who do I contact?
First, you should contact the agent’s broker or manager and see if they can help solve the problem. If this isn’t possible or if you want proceed with filing a complaint then the Connecticut REALTORS® (CTR) has a complaint process outlined on the website at ctrealtors.com/complaints.
Is there a fee for filing an ethics complaint, if so, what is the fee?
There is no fee for filing an ethics complaint; however, if the respondent is found in violation of the Code of Ethics, the respondent will be assessed an administrative processing fee of $500.
Note: In an arbitration complaint, both the complainant and respondent pay a $500 filing fee/deposit. The deposit of the non-prevailing party shall be used by the Association to cover the cost of the Arbitration.
Is there a time limit in which to file a complaint?
The complaint must be filed within (180) days of the time that the alleged offense and facts relating to it could have been known by the complainant in the exercise of reasonable diligence or within (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later.
What is the difference between an Ethics complaint and an Arbitration request?
An Ethics complaint is an alleged violation of an Article or Articles of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. An Arbitration request involves a monetary dispute between brokers as required by Article 17 of the Code of Ethics. Arbitration complaints are only between Brokers.
Who determines the outcome of a hearing?
A panel of REALTORS® who have been specifically trained for this. Any decision made by the panel then goes to the CTR Board of Directors for final ratification of the decision.
What is a Facebook username?
Facebook is for the first time allowing users to register a custom username. Each Facebook account can only have one username and you can never change nor can you transfer it to someone else. In fact, even if you delete your Facebook account, your username will not go back in the pool of available usernames.
As of now, Facebook usernames are only being used for custom URLs, but the uses for usernames might change in the future. Choosing a Facebook username is optional and having a username will not change the name that appears on your prole or anywhere else on the site.
Can I use the REALTOR® marks with my username on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter?
The same rules governing the use of the REALTOR® marks apply on the internet. In a username, members are authorized to use the REALTOR® marks only to indicate membership to NAR by using the marks with a member’s name or with the legal name of a member broker’s real estate business.
Do I need to use punctuation to separate the REALTOR® marks from my name in a username, email address, or domain name?
The REALTOR® marks do not need to be separated from a member’s name or real estate.
In a username, do I still need to capitalize the REALTOR® marks or use the trademark registration symbol?
The requirements to use capitalization and the registration symbol with the REALTOR® marks are relaxed since such formalities either cannot or are not normally observed on the Internet including on social media sites.
Why do the rules prohibit the use of descriptive words or phrases with the REALTOR® marks (e.g. hotshotrealtor or oridarealtor)?
The term REALTOR® was created by a member to identify members and distinguish them from non-members. When the REALTOR® marks are used with a descriptive word or phrase it does not identify a person as a member but is most likely to be understood to be referring to a type or service that might be provided.
Is it okay for me to use the REALTOR(R) block R logo as the icon for a mobile device application, such as an iPhone App?
The rules for using the REALTOR(R) logo as an icon for an application are the same ones which govern its use in any other medium. The logo is intended to identify the user as a member of the Association. A Member may use the REALTOR (R) logo as an icon for an App if (i) the App is provided in connection with the Member’s real estate business and (ii) the logo appears in the icon adjacent to the Member’s name or the name of the member’s real estate business. A Member Board may use the REALTOR(R) as an icon for an App if (i) the App is provided in connection with the Member Board’s publications, or its educational courses, clinics and similar service projects produced or sponsored by the Member Board and (ii) the logo appears adjacent to the Member Board’s name. Please note, acronyms and abbreviations are not permitted.