Every year about this time, it seems that all of you get bombarded with offers to change associations. Save a $100 here, Save up to $200 here, or switch for free with just a small processing fee. I know it is tempting to make a change and save a few bucks especially at this time of year. We all have holiday shopping to do, and some folks may not have a closing coming soon. But before you sign up, ask those other associations some questions.. When they say “save up to a certain amount”, find out what you are saving. One association waives their application fee if you change at this time of the year. Not something you would be paying if you stayed with Mid-State. Others offer half price dues. But what services are you getting for those fees? Will you still be getting Forewarn? ZipForms Mobile? Digital Ink? Only the Mid-State Association provides our members with those 3 benefits at no additional cost. What about CE Classes? How much does the other association charge for classes? If you like taking your classes in person, you may save $100 on your dues, but each CE Class could be $35-$40, that will quickly add up to more money than what you are saving. Our classes are just $5 and for 2020 I am working on 4 days of CE Classes as well as 4 night classes in May. Does the other association have a members only website where you can go online and get your receipts for the year ? Helpful at tax time. Or do they keep track of all your CE Classes? Mid-State uploads all CE Classes to our site, and if you send us information from a class you took someplace else, we include that too. What about a payment plan? Mid-State offers you the opportunity to pay your next year’s dues over 4 payments in the summer/fall. Hopefully, all associations excel in customer service, personally I think Mid-State over excels. You call, you get a real person who wants to help you out. Emails are answered even after hours and on the weekend. And how many of you found yourself locked out of a house because you didn’t get a new authorization code with that nice new phone, and we got you going on a Sunday afternoon? Other things that may not be so obvious to you, but our association has been recognized by the National Association of Realtors for our advocacy and member engagement. Staff attends training numerous times in a year to make sure we are up to date to help you even better.
So before you make a change, make sure it is worth it in the long run. We see so many members jump ship only to come back the following year. Sometimes the grass isn’t greener somewhere else. Personally I think Mid-State Members are the best and I hope that you think we are as well.
Happy Holidays to all of you and your families.
Sue