Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee has two locations to better serve members. RASM South is located at 2320 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34232. RASM North is at 2901 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. RASM Offices close each day from noon – 1 p.m. Other closures will be noted on our calendar.
The New Member Orientation Program is a requirement for membership in the REALTOR® Association and must be completed within 3 months of submitting the membership application. The program consists of three required classes: New Member Orientation, New Member Code of Ethics and New Member Introduction to Contracts. These classes are offered monthly, alternating between north and south locations. Check the calendar to sign up for the next available class.
Each fall, the REALTOR® Association distributes a Leadership Appointment Request form seeking members to serve on various committees for the coming year. The form includes a brief description of the work of the committee. Some committees have prerequisites or restrictions, which will be indicated. Most positions are for one year. The President selects the members who will serve during their term. If you missed the opportunity and have an interest in a particular committee, consult the staff directory to determine which staff member serves as liaison to the committee, and contact them to see if it would be possible to be added to the committee for the current year.
Each year, members are notified to submit an application if they wish to serve on the Board of Directors as either a Director or Officer. The Nominating Committee reviews the applications and selects a candidate for each position. The report of the Nominating Committee is announced to the membership. Additional candidates may be placed in nomination by a petition signed by at least 75 REALTOR® members eligible to vote, filed with the Association. An election will be held by electronic ballot if the slate is expanded by petition. The results of the election are announced at the Annual Meeting.
The qualifications are established in the Bylaws. Directors are required to have been a member of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee for at least two years immediately prior to the election and must have served on at least one committee prior to the election. No more than three members from any one firm may serve.
A Director’s term is three years unless the Director is being elected to fill the unexpired term of a Director who resigned or otherwise became ineligible during their term. Officers serve for one year.
The mission of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee is to advance members’ professionalism through the delivery of education and resources while upholding the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. We are committed to be the leading advocate of real estate in the communities we serve by protecting private property rights and expanding relationships with individuals and organizations both locally and worldwide.
Dues and Accounts
Annual dues invoices are posted to members’ accounts the last week of October, and are due December 15th. Members are notified by an email stating that the invoices are available to view, print, and pay.
Annual dues are due December 15th and past due January 15th at 5:00 p.m.
The annual billing includes local, state, and national dues, plus a voluntary RPAC contribution. If a member has also joined the Commercial Investment Division or Global Business Council, they will see a separate invoice for this membership. The annual billing does not include MLS fees, which are billed by Stellar MLS in the spring, or Supra ActiveKeys, which are billed by UTC Fire & Security each summer. You can view the billing disclosures here.
An electronic payment system was instituted several years ago to provide the most efficient, cost-effective processing method. This method allows members the opportunity to pay their dues at any time during the day. Payment must be submitted in the MY RASM PORTAL by credit or debit card. Payments are processed through the e-commerce Network of National Association of REALTORS®, a trusted and secure site that meets or exceeds all government safety and security standards.
Government Affairs
RPAC stands for REALTORS® Political Action Committee. RPAC was created in 1969 to promote or defend issues that affect your livelihood and candidates who support industry issues.
All RPAC contributions are split into three areas: local, state and national. In other words, your dollars are helping elect candidates that support and understand your business at all levels of government.
Yes, but more importantly you are not investing in the Republican Party or the Democratic Party you’re investing in the REALTOR® Party. Your RPAC dollars support candidates who have the best interests of REALTORS® in mind, no matter what party affiliation. We look for candidates who will be strong supporters of private property rights.
MLS Information
The Association is a Shareholder in Stellar MLS, along with many other associations throughout the Suncoast area and central Florida. The Association serves as a Local Service Center for Stellar MLS, to provide a convenient location for local members to join and receive training. Being part of a regional MLS provides you access to listing information in a broader market.
Stellar MLS also provides a listing exchange for commercial practitioners, called MFCRE. For information about joining, contact the Membership Department, (941) 952-3400.
Fees for both the MLS and MFCRE are established by Stellar MLS annually. Stellar MLS bills members directly in the spring and payment is made directly to Stellar MLS.
MLS subscribers are required to complete MLS BASIC and MLS COMPLIANCE 101 for Stellar MLS membership. Both courses must be taken in the first 60 days of joining Stellar MLS. If courses are not completed in the 60-day timeframe, you will lose access to MLS. These classes are available online or in-person at RASM or any Association affiliated with Stellar MLS. Register for classes in the Stellar University portal.