Why I’m Invested in the Arcadia Association of Realtors

As a local Realtor, being part of a strong professional network is invaluable. That’s why I’m deeply invested in the Arcadia Association of Realtors (AAR)—because it offers the support, education, and connections that truly make a difference in my business and for my clients.

Finding the Right Association

When I first got my real estate license in 2014, I joined another Association of Realtors (which I won’t name), but to be honest, I didn’t find it useful. It wasn’t until I returned to real estate full-time in 2020 that I decided to take my membership more seriously.

I knew that being part of an Association was essential. Not only is it required for access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—where homes are listed for sale—but it also provides access to California Association of Realtors (CAR) contracts and is often a requirement for joining certain brokerages. So, I took the time to visit multiple Associations in my area, and I quickly realized that each one had a unique feel and different benefits.

Why I Chose the Arcadia Association of Realtors

From the moment I walked into AAR, something felt different. The atmosphere was welcoming, and as I explored, I noticed:

A wide range of available courses for professional development.
A wall filled with photos of agents, showing an engaged and active community.
A strong networking culture, with agents regularly visiting and participating in events.

It was clear that this was an active, engaged Association, not just a place where agents paid dues and rarely showed up. I joined happily, but it wasn’t until 2024 that I truly became involved.

Getting More Involved: Learning, Networking, and Growing

The turning point came when I realized just how much I didn’t know. That’s when I decided to start attending the Wednesday Caravans—weekly meetings where agents and vendors gather to discuss:

New business updates
Upcoming courses
Local real estate trends
New and price-reduced listings

After the meeting, we visit the homes on the list, giving us a chance to learn about properties firsthand and connect with listing agents. This experience alone was incredibly valuable, but I wanted to go further.

At the time, my wife was part of a Young Professionals Network (YPN) at her job, so I looked into whether AAR had one—and sure enough, they did! I started attending YPN events, contributing where I could, and building friendships. Through YPN, I discovered the Leadership Academy, which I joined to develop my skills further. Now, I’m still part of YPN, but I’m also looking to join the Global Committee and, hopefully one day, the Grievance Committee.

How This Benefits My Clients

My involvement in AAR isn’t just about personal growth—it directly benefits my clients in so many ways:

Local Market Insight – I stay updated on what’s happening in our area before it even makes the news.
Strong Agent Relationships – I know the active agents personally, which helps in negotiations and transactions.
Early Access to Listings – I hear about homes before they hit the market, giving my clients an edge in competitive situations.
Better Marketing for Listings – I can pitch my clients’ homes directly to agents who are actively looking for properties.

Ultimately, being a part of the Arcadia Association of Realtors has made me a better, more informed agent—and that’s something my clients directly benefit from.

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