Carolina One goes “all in” with realtor membership
June 30, 2016
Effective September 1, 2016, Carolina One Real Estate Services is making membership in the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR) a condition of affiliation with the company. Currently more than 90% of Carolina One’s agents are members of CTAR, the SC Association of Realtors® (SCAR) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
According to Dave Sansom, Carolina One CFO and COO, “There’s a difference between a Realtor® and a person who merely holds a real estate license. As metro Charleston’s real estate market leader, we need to take the lead in demonstrating this to the public. The time has come to raise the bar and go all in!” “Requiring membership in CTAR is consistent with Carolina One’s CORE Values and passes the test of being good for the consumer, the agent and the company”, Sansom added.
Benefits of membership in CTAR to agents include being held accountable to a higher standard by adhering to the Realtor® Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards Committee. Additionally, CTAR protects private property rights through the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and does an excellent job of keeping Realtors® informed on issues that impact the industry both locally and nationally. With membership, members can also legally advertise using the Realtor® brand and logo.
Concerning the Carolina One announcement, CTAR Executive Director Wil Riley said, “The preamble of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics states, “REALTORS® are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for (the real estate profession’s) integrity and honor.” The Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® is thrilled to have Carolina One Real Estate mandate their Associates be REALTOR® members.”
As the area’s 22nd largest employer, according to the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Book of Lists, Carolina One participates in 30% of all real estate transactions in the metro Charleston SMA. In 2015, Carolina One Real Estate was ranked the 52nd largest Realtor® in the US by the number of properties sold and the 58th largest Realtor® in the US by volume with $2.6 billion in sales, 8900 transactions and a total of 1100 total independent contractors and staff. For more information visit the company’s website at www.carolinaone.com.
