Last Updated: January 14, 2026
Realtor associations are member-owned nonprofit organizations that serve as the professional backbone of the residential real estate industry. Their mission is to advocate its members’ interests while advancing education, professional standards and quality services for agents and brokerages, assisting Realtors in their efforts to operate more profitably and successfully.
These associations operate within a federated structure across national, state and local levels. Membership is interconnected through a three-way agreement: When agents join a local association — often to access a multiple listing service — they are automatically enrolled at the state and national levels, creating a unified system of representation and support.