- JOIN NFCAR
- EDUCATION
- MEMBER BENEFITS
- ADVOCACY
- ETHICS & ARBITRATION
- FORMS
- FAQS
JOIN NFCAR
“Your Success is Core to Our Business.”
Congratulations on your choice to become a member of the Northern Fairfield County Association of REALTORS® (NFCAR). Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS® and have access to SmartMLS, Inc. the most trusted source for local real estate data available.
All REALTORS® adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. That’s why all real estate licensees are NOT THE SAME. Your reputation and the reputation of the profession as a whole is essential to the people who are buying and selling real estate.
You are joining with some 1000 REALTORS® locally and over 1 million nationwide. These REALTORS® are dedicated to serving America’s property owners at the local, state and national levels. Your Reach allows the profession as a whole to impact policymakers regarding private property rights.
Your success is vital to us. The leadership and staff of NFCAR are part of a dominant team working with and for you to keep you Relevant to the consumer. Your trust in us and your fellow REALTORS® makes working in the marketplace smoother and more predictable.
Just as the real estate profession is ever-changing, so too, is the Association. Reinvention – a culture of openness and innovation is essential in our service to you.
We are happy to serve on your team! Enjoy the benefits and take advantage of the tools we have to offer to make your career success!
NFCAR Member Transfer: Below are the 3 forms that you would need to complete your Office Affiliation Transfer.
Other considerations when joining NFCAR:
New members must complete a New Member Orientation Course which includes Mandatory Code of Ethics Training. All REALTOR® members must complete a NAR Code of Ethics course every three years.
EDUCATION
As part of our pledge to ensure our member REALTORS® are the best, NFCAR operates the Northern Fairfield County Real Estate School.
The NFCAR Real Estate School is one of the largest and most successful in Fairfield County. We offer live classes in our Bethel CT location. Our instructors are industry experts; they provide excellent instruction in residential and commercial real estate. Because we know a Realtor® ’s life is busy and mobile, we offer live and online classes for Licensing and Continuing Education.
Onsite Education
Our Real Estate school provides; Continuing Education for License Renewal, and Courses for Broker Upgrade, our course catalog includes Commercial and residential topics.
Our Principles and Practices Course is an ongoing course with open enrollment which allows new students to begin the course on any Monday or Wednesday. Students will be eligible for the Final Exam after completing a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Click Here For Our Current Offerings
Online Education
To view the online classes we offer, click here:
NFCAR has partnerships with the industry’s Top Online Providers, REcampus, The CE Shop, Career Webschool and our newest partner… VanEd; VanEd has online courses available to help satisfy the education requirements for Connecticut appraisers.
Designation/Certification Programs
For a complete list, please click here.
The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses. Areas of study include:
- Accredited Buyer’s Representative® / ABR®
- Certified Commercial Investment Member / CCIM
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager / CRB
- Certified Residential Specialist / CRS
- As well as many more; for a complete list click here
REALTOR® Safety Resources
Due to their frequent contact with strangers in various public and private locations, REALTORS® face more on-the-job risks than many other business professionals.
The REALTOR® organization on all levels is committed to helping you stay safe while working with prospects and clients. NAR has an expansive set of articles, tools, and resources to help inform and protect REALTORS®. Visit it often!
MEMBER BENEFITS
NFCAR’s Tech Helpline Click here for the Tech Helpline
Friendly Tech Helpline analysts can help you resolve problems with your computers, tablets, printers, scanners, smartphones, and more – all at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!
NFCAR’s Advance Dues Club Click here for the Dues Club Agreement
This program is simple… We bill you in advance, you put a little bit of money on your account on a regular basis, it adds up during the year; so when you receive your Annual REALTOR Bill you pay your remaining balance, or you receive a statement that says: Paid in Full.
NFCAR’s Referral Network
Available to Brokers only, for more information contact Richard at NFCAR.
Constant Contact Discounted Pricing Click Here For The Constant Contact Discount
Constant Contact is an easy email marketing program to create emails and online marketing campaigns.
New Website Design/Hosting For More Information On Navica Websites Click here
As a company or individual agent Navica can create a website for you at a discounted rate.
Tenant Tracks Visit Tenant Tracks
TenantTracks provides more information and uses the highest quality data. Their reports are affordably priced and help you make better leasing decisions. Use the Promo Code NFCAR.
CT REALTORS Member Benefits® Click Here For CT REALTORS Member Benefits
CTR members are eligible to receive discounts and access to several member benefits. (CTR member login required)
Forewarn App Subscription Click Here For More Forewarn Information
This product provides you with the ability to further check into those who are contacting you for showings – to help you confirm that they are who they are.
Inman Select Contact David Pendrys
Inman is an exclusive real estate news service that is a CTR benefit as part of your membership. Please contact David Pendrys to start your complimentary subscription.
NAR REALTOR Benefits® Partners Click Here For NAR’s Realtor Benefits Partners
NAR partners with the most relevant businesses to spark new solutions that support member success in every aspect of your business. NAR REALTOR Benefits® saves you time, money, and stress.
REALTOR.com® Click here to Enhance your profile on REALTOR.com®
Make a stunning first impression with a beautiful, portable profile that works on desktop and on mobile! Connect with more online buyers and sellers – More consumers find their agent on realtor.com® than any other site.
RPR – Realtors Property Resource Get Started with RPR
What is RPR®? Owned by REALTORS® Created by NAR for the sole purpose of providing REALTORS® with the data they need to meet the demands of their clients. The only way a non-REALTOR® has access to the data in RPR is through an RPR report that has been created, branded and sent by a REALTOR®. A No Cost Member Benefit.
SmartMLS Center Visit SmartMLS
The Smart Multiple Listing Service, Inc. provides reliable, cooperative, credible real estate database of listing and sales information using the most current technology. NFCAR can offer; New Member Registration • Electronic Key Support • Electronic Lockbox Support.
Transaction Desk Click Here To Access REALTOR Forms
As a member of NFCAR and SmartMLS you are entitled to access CTR’s extensive forms library by using SmartMLS’s Transaction Desk software. Clicking the link will take you to the SmartMLS log in screen, once you log in, click into Transaction Desk and access CTR’s and SmartMLS’ forms.
ADVOCACY
One of the most important benefits of REALTOR® membership is intangible, but it’s vital to your career as a Realtor®. Our legislative support on local, state and national levels gives you and your clients a loud voice on issues affecting homeownership.
The REALTOR® Party is a powerful alliance of REALTOR® S and REALTOR® Associations working to protect and promote home ownership and property investment. The REALTOR® Party speaks with one voice to advance candidates and public policies that build healthy communities and support a vibrant business environment.
NFCAR members have played a significant role in promoting laws and regulations that benefit REALTOR® S and consumers locally, as well as regionally and nationally with active participation in RPAC through member contributions, annual trips to state & national capital to meet with legislators. Bi-Annual Political Debate.
Visit The REALTOR® Action Center
REALTOR® Conferences
NFCAR, CTR, and NAR offer conferences and trade shows throughout the year for education, business, and governance. They also often collaborate with private organizations such as Inman to provide discounted reservations to those organizations’ events.
Consumer Outreach
NFCAR and our REALTOR® members can only be as strong as the communities we serve. We put a high value on giving back to our community through philanthropy and community outreach. NFCAR has donated thousands of dollars to charities such as Ability Beyond Disability, Habitat for Humanity, The Wounded Warrior Project, Regional Hospice, and many others.
E-Communications
You will always be up-to-date on NFCAR information and events with our weekly On-Board newsletter. NFCAR also provide monthly and quarterly newsletters on Ethics, REALTOR® Benefits, Networking / Social Media and Tech Tips.
You can also follow NFCAR on our website and our Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Pinterest sites.
Membership & Social Functions
- Membership & Social Functions
- General Membership Meetings
- Annual Charitable Events
- Annual Education & Trade Expo
- Various Social, Fundraising Events
Facility & Staff
- Full-Time Professional Staff
- Nationally Recognized Association Executive
- 4,300 sq. Ft. Board Owned Facility
ETHICS & ARBITRATION
“The Preamble” to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is the aspirational basis for the ethical concepts that REALTORS® believe in. Included are the core concepts of honesty, integrity, fairness, and moral conduct in business relations. Near the end of the Preamble, the timeless, universal principle of the Golden Rule is cited. Because the Code sets the ideals that we strive to attain, it is subjective in nature. As such, it cannot be used as a basis for disciplinary action against a REALTOR®. Only the Articles of the Code are used as the basis for discipline of REALTOR® membership.”
The REALTOR® organization offers its members and their clients a vehicle to economically expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Plus, the organization offers options such as an Ombuds program and Mediation.
Ethics complaints brought before the REALTOR® organization give those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code, and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry.
Arbitration Request
Arbitration of business disputes with other REALTORS® is a valuable service provided by the REALTOR® organization, ensuring that the conflict will be dealt with by peers who have a better understanding of the real estate business than most other adjudicators. The Code of Ethics requires that REALTORS® file a request for arbitration before they litigate. Call 860-566-8665 or email prostandards@ctrealtors.com to file an ethics complaint.
If you have questions regarding any of the above, click here.
FAQS
General
Membership
Ethics
Education
2020-2022 CE Requirements
Designation & Certificates
Social Media
GENERAL
What states have reciprocity with Connecticut?
CT has reciprocity agreements with numerous states including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island.
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?
NFCAR members can access forms on this website click on the forms tab. The forms link requires a user name and password.
The Smart MLS website has data input forms and a variety of other forms for members as well.
MEMBERSHIP
What’s my NRDS ID/Number?
You use your NRDS 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 NRDS#
What is the difference between the National Association of Realtors, Connecticut Realtors, the Northern Fairfield County Association of Realtors and the Smart MLS?
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. An Annual Trade Show 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 annual 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 monthly
I see that the dues are prorated monthly, but there is only a week or so left in the month. Do I still have to pay dues for that month or may I just submit the prorated payment for the next month’s dues?
We do not prorate daily or weekly. Therefore, you must submit the prorated dues for the month in which you join.
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 two training requirements for new REALTOR® members of the Association. Both training courses must be completed within three months of approval of the new member’s application by NFCAR’s Board of Directors.
First, all new members must attend Orientation on the REALTOR Association.
Second, all new members complete a qualified New Member Code of Ethics Orientation course. NFCAR provides Code of Ethics Training as part of the basic Orientation class it provides for all new members.
Or new members may complete this course for free online at the National Association of REALTORS® site at www.realtor.org
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 particular 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 have to pay, local dues to the second association you wish to join. 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 Emeritus® is any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS®, is eligible for REALTOR Emeritus® status. Upon approval by the Board of Directors of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
For more information, contact the Association at 203 744-7255 or email nfcar@nfcar.com
ETHICS
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, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2021.
Mandatory ethics training requirements for new and continuing REALTOR® members was 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 heard on the local level by a Professional Standards Committee.
Can both an Ethics and Arbitration Complaint be filed against a REALTOR?
Yes, both types of complaints can be filed against a REALTOR, the Arbitration complaint is heard first and usually at a separate hearing.
Can I file a complaint against a non-REALTOR®?
If you believe the individual with whom you are working has violated the license law, a written complaint should be forwarded to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. You can find forms for this filing at their website at www.ct.gov/dcp.
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 to file a grievance against the agent, then the association has a complaint process for individuals wishing to file complaints about alleged violations of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. Once you have determined that the individual you wish to file a complaint against is a member of the local association, your complaint should be filed in a timely fashion. If you have any questions during this process, you can contact the Association at 203-744-7255 or email nfcar@nfcar.com
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. 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 your peers that have been specifically trained for this. Any decision made by the panel must go before the Association Board of Directors for final approval of the decision
EDUCATION
How do I obtain a real estate license in CT?
Anyone wishing to obtain a real estate license in CT must complete a Real Estate Principles & Practice course provided by an approved school course. The course consists of 60 hours of class time plus 3 hrs. for the final exam. Upon successful completion of the course; (a grade of 70 or better on the final exam and 60 hours of mandatory attendance ), the real estate candidate may apply to take the state exam.
For a list of our upcoming Real Estate Principles & Practice courses, please visit the PRE-LICENSING section of this website: or contact us at nfcar@nfcar.com
How do I register for the state exam?
A detailed candidate information brochure on the process for completing the CT Real Estate licensing exams can be downloaded at http://candidate.psiexams.com.
For more information about license applications and examinations contact:
PSI Exams: 800-733-9267 or www.psiexams.com
Or the CT Department of Consumer Protection (DCP): www.ct.gov/dcp or 860-713-6150 or real.estate@ct.
- The Real Estate Division of the CT Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) administers a professional licensing and enforcement process to assure that only qualified; competent persons are licensed in the real estate profession. If you have specific questions about real estate licensing or education, contact the DCP Real Estate Unit at 860-713-6150 or via e-mailreal.estate@ct.gov .
- All Broker and Agent Candidates must pass both the State and General portions of the exam within one year of the date you enrolled in PSI. If a portion of the exam is failed, you must pass that portion within one year from date of eligibility, or you will be required to retake both portions. After one year a new application and fee must be submitted.
What are the requirements for becoming a Broker in CT?
As of July 1, 2016, the education requirements for a real estate broker license changed.
Broker Candidates must provide evidence of completing the following courses (from an approved school) and work experience requirements:
• 60 hours – Principles and Practices of Real Estate
• 15 hours – Real Estate Legal Compliance
• 15 hours – Real Estate Brokerage Principles & Practices
• (2) 15-hour Elective Courses
- Licensed as a salesperson for at least two years
OR
• Have completed a cumulative total of at least 20 real estate transactions during the previous five years in place of the two elective courses. The commission defines a “real estate transaction” as a legal transfer of real property or execution of a lease agreement.
For more information see PSI web page and download “Candidate Information Bulletin” for fees and
2018-2020 CE REQUIREMENTS
What are the requirements for completing CE?
Every two years CT Real Estate Brokers and Agents must complete twelve (12) hours of continuing education to renew their CT real estate license. The 12 hours includes mandatory and elective courses.
For this cycle the 2 mandatory courses are: Real Estate Law for Brokers and Salesperson AND Understanding and Preventing Bias in Real Estate (Mandatory 2020-22)
Real Estate Brokers must complete their CE requirements by March 31.
Real Estate Agents must complete their CE requirements by May 31.
You may choose to fulfill your CE requirements by completing courses either in a traditional classroom setting or online.
You also have the option of fulfilling your CE requirements by passing the 40-QUESTION CONNECTICUT CONTINUING EDUCATION EXAMINATION. To schedule an exam date directly with the testing company call: 1-800-733-9267 or visit www.psiexams.com.
Where can I find a CE class schedule?
NFCAR’s class schedules, course locations, and registration forms can be found on this website Education information is often included in the bi-weekly NFCAR OnBoard New and Social Media sites.
Where do I find online CE classes?
NFCAR’s online course information, as well as our classroom schedules, can be found by visiting the Education page on this website. And is often included in the bi-weekly NFCAR OnBoard New and Social Media sites!
Am I required to complete CE?
All license holders must complete CE prior to every even-year renewal. You are only exempt if you PASSED A CONNECTICUT LICENSING EXAM during the CE period. The CE completion for 2018 renewal is 6/1/2016-5/31/2018 for Salespersons and 4/1/2016-3/31/2018 for Brokers. You may not apply any CE that was utilized for a previous license period to the current CE cycle.
What if I am a reciprocal license holder?
Connecticut DOES NOT EXEMPT ANYONE from completion of Connecticut specific continuing education. You must complete approved courses via a CT approved school and retain your certificates of completion for a minimum of 4 years.
What if I am a referral only agent?
All license holders must complete CE. Choosing to only utilize your license for referrals does NOT exempt you from Connecticut CE requirements.
- 2020 requirements are 6 elective credits plus the 6 hours mandatory course entitled “CT Real Estate Law Review and Fair Housing 1 & 2 (Mandatory 2018-20)”
- As a licensee, it is your obligation to review and understand the laws regarding your CT license. Those laws can be found at https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_392.htm
DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
What designations & certifications exist for REALTORS ®?
A variety of designations and certifications exist within the Real Estate profession. They assist members in increasing knowledge, skills, and proficiency.
For more information visit the following website:
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) – http://www.realtor.org/designations-and-certifications
SOCIAL MEDIA
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.