Can this agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally effective under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retrievability are documented.

When is notarization required?

Notarization depends on the specific provision or state rule; real estate instruments and certain power delegations often require notarization—check state notary rules before execution.

Are remote online notarizations (RON) acceptable?

RON is permitted in many states with identity proofing and audio‑video recording requirements; confirm the state's RON statutes and the notary commission rules prior to using RON.

Who must sign on behalf of a brokerage?

A named officer or person with written authority must sign. Maintain corporate authorization documents or power-of-attorney records to validate execution authority.

How do I correct a signed agreement?

Prepare an amendment or addendum signed by all original parties; voiding and re-executing is sometimes necessary if material terms change or there is a signature error.

How long should we retain signed agreements?

Retain for at least three years for tax purposes (IRC §6501(a)), six years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer if state law or association policy requires it.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
REALTOR Association Agreement

REALTOR Association Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REALTOR ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT

This REALTOR Association Agreement (Agreement) is entered into on Effective Date: by and between Association Name: located at (Association), and Member Name: License Number: Brokerage: (Member).

1. Membership; Scope of Services

Association hereby admits Member to membership in accordance with the bylaws, rules and policies of the Association. Membership includes access to Association services identified in this Agreement, subject to timely payment of dues and compliance with the Association's governing documents. Member acknowledges that membership does not alter Member's independent contractor status with any brokerage and does not grant any ownership interest in the Association.

2. Term and Renewal

This Agreement commences on Start Date: and continues until End Date: unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 7. Unless a party provides written notice of non-renewal at least Notice Period (days): days prior to the expiration of the then-current term, this Agreement will renew automatically for successive terms of one year.

3. Fees, Billing and Payment

Initiation Fee Annual Dues Payment Due Day (each month) Late Fee (percentage)

All dues, fees and assessments are payable when due. Failure to pay amounts due may result in suspension or termination of membership and access to Association services; such suspension or termination will not relieve Member of obligations incurred prior to such action.

4. MLS Access, Data and Cooperation

Association may grant Member access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and related data feeds, subject to separate MLS access agreements and Association rules. Member agrees to provide accurate listing information, cooperate with other Members in good faith, and comply with all MLS rules and data use restrictions. Unauthorized distribution or resale of MLS data is prohibited.

MLS Access Requested

5. Code of Ethics and Discipline

Member agrees to abide by the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and all applicable Association bylaws, rules and regulations. Violation of the Code of Ethics or Association rules may result in disciplinary action, including censure, fines, suspension or termination of membership in accordance with Association procedures.

Has Member been disciplined by any professional licensing or REALTOR body in the past seven (7) years?

6. Insurance; Indemnity

Member shall maintain professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance in commercially reasonable amounts and shall, upon request, provide proof of such insurance to Association. Member shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Association, its officers, directors and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of Member's acts, omissions, breach of this Agreement, or violation of Association rules.

Minimum E&O Coverage Amount

7. Termination and Suspension

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach by the other party upon thirty (30) days' written notice and an opportunity to cure. Association may suspend or terminate membership immediately for conduct that, in the Association's reasonable determination, jeopardizes the safety, integrity or reputation of the Association, or for nonpayment of monies due. Termination or suspension shall not relieve the Member of obligations incurred prior to the effective date of termination.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Member shall keep confidential all non-public Association materials and data to which Member obtains access. Member shall not use Association data for marketing or commercial resale except as permitted by Association rules and applicable agreements. Breach of confidentiality may result in injunctive relief and damages.

Describe any confidentiality exceptions or requirements

9. Dispute Resolution; Attorneys' Fees

Except for injunctive relief and matters where Association rules provide alternative procedures, disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered in accordance with the Association's arbitration procedures. The prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation arising under this Agreement shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

10. Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, nationally recognized overnight courier, or certified mail to the addresses below and shall be deemed given on the date of delivery or the date of first attempted delivery.

Association Notice Address Member Notice Address

11. Governing Law; Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Governing Law: without regard to conflict of laws principles. This Agreement, together with Association bylaws and rules incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and representations.

12. Amendment; Severability

This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. Disclosures

Member Disclosures

The parties certify that the information provided in this Agreement and any accompanying documentation is true and complete to the best of their knowledge. Submission of false information may result in denial, suspension or termination of membership and may subject the submitting party to additional disciplinary or legal action.

Association Name:

By:

Date:

Member Name:

By:

Date:

What the REALTOR Association Agreement Is and Who It Affects

A REALTOR Association Agreement is a written contract establishing membership terms, rights, and obligations between a real estate professional and a local or state REALTOR association. It typically covers membership classification, dues and assessments, services provided by the association, confidentiality and data-sharing rules, disciplinary procedures, and termination rights. For brokerages and individual agents, the agreement sets expectations for use of association resources, access to MLS data, continuing education credits, and adherence to the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. Accurate execution ensures access to member services and reduces later disputes.

Why a Clear REALTOR Association Agreement Matters

A precise agreement clarifies financial obligations, membership services, and dispute resolution procedures, reducing administrative disputes and legal uncertainty while supporting consistent MLS access and professional compliance.

Typical parties involved and how each uses the agreement

Clear role definitions improve processing speed and reduce rework when names, authority, or payment terms are inconsistent.

Individual REALTOR — Signs as an applicant, agrees to dues, MLS terms, and the Code of Ethics.
Association Staff — Records membership, issues credentials, enforces rules, and tracks dues payments.
Broker or Office Manager — Executes on behalf of a brokerage, confirms authority, and manages multiple member accounts.

Representative signer roles

Individual REALTOR

A licensed agent or broker joining the association as an individual member; must provide identifying information, license number, and sign to accept rules and dues obligations in their own name.

Broker / Office Manager

An authorized representative executing membership for a brokerage; must confirm authority to bind the company and provide corporate details and signature as specified by the agreement.

Core elements to include in a professional agreement

A complete REALTOR Association Agreement organizes membership, payments, services, compliance, and termination mechanics to make responsibilities and remedies clear for all parties.

Membership Terms

Define membership class, eligibility criteria, effective date, renewal cycle, and the association services included (MLS access, education, advocacy).

Dues and Fees

Specify initiation fees, recurring dues, billing schedule, late-payment interest, and responsibility for taxes or third-party charges.

Data and MLS Access

State conditions for access to MLS data, acceptable use, data-sharing limits, and consequences for misuse or unauthorized redistribution.

Compliance and Discipline

Outline ethical standards, complaint procedures, notice and hearing processes, and potential sanctions up to suspension or expulsion.

Term and Termination

Describe term length, automatic renewal (if any), notice periods for termination, and effects on dues and MLS access.

Governing Law

Identify the governing state law, venue for disputes, and any arbitration clauses to limit forum uncertainty and litigation costs.

Step-by-step: complete and execute the agreement

Follow a clear sequence to prepare, confirm, sign, and record the agreement to avoid rejections and access delays.

01

Prepare Document: Populate all required fields and attach supporting documents.
02

Verify Identity: Confirm license and ID against state records before signing.
03

Obtain Signatures: Collect signatures from all listed parties in the correct order.
04

Record and Distribute: Store the signed copy in records and provide members with a copy.

How to configure an online signing workflow for this agreement

Set workflow options to reflect signer order, authentication strength, and storage to maintain an auditable trail.

Template Setup	Save a reusable template with fixed clauses and variable fields for quick issuance.
Conditional Logic	Enable conditional fields for different membership types to show only relevant sections.
Signer Order	Configure sequential or parallel signing based on association approval needs.
Authentication Level	Select email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA depending on risk and compliance.
Storage Destination	Route completed copies to secure cloud storage and the association's records system.

Typical digital process for issuing and completing the agreement

A standard e-sign workflow reduces turnaround time and preserves an audit trail for compliance and dispute resolution.

Upload: Add the agreement PDF or DOCX to the e-sign platform.
Place Fields: Insert signature, date, and data fields for each party.
Invite Signers: Send secure signing links or email invitations to signers.
Archive: Store the signed document and audit report in protected storage.

Digital signing and submission: technical considerations

Ensure the platform provides an audit trail, secure storage, and required compliance (ESIGN/UETA); verify integration with your AMS or MLS for automated provisioning.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Integrations: CRM and cloud drives
Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Common timing and deadline considerations

Track effective dates, renewal windows, and notice periods to avoid lapses in membership, MLS access, or billing disputes.

Effective Date:

Date membership takes effect (MM/DD/YYYY).

Dues Due Date:

Annual or prorated due date for fees and assessments.

Renewal Notice Period:

Advance notice required for renewals or rate changes.

Termination Notice:

Number of days required to terminate membership.

Recordkeeping Window:

Time to retain signed copies for audits and compliance.

Key milestones in the agreement lifecycle

Sequential milestones help members and associations know when actions are required and when rights change.

01

Drafting

Create or update agreement language and attach exhibits.

02

Internal Review

Association legal or governance reviews terms and compliance.

03

Signing

Parties execute the agreement electronically or in writing.

04

Activation

Association provisions benefits and updates member records.

Common mistakes that cause delays or disputes

Inconsistent party names across fields and IDs causing verification failures and provisioning delays.
Missing or unclear exhibits (fee schedules, MLS rules) that create ambiguity about membership privileges or obligations.
Incorrect effective or renewal dates that trigger premature termination or unintended prorations.
Lack of signer authority documentation when a broker signs on behalf of a firm, causing later invalidation claims.

Short summary of penalties and legal risks

Incorrect Signatory: Agreement may be unenforceable

Missing Notary: Delays for notarization-required filings

Late Payments: Late fees and suspension

Data Noncompliance: Privacy breach liability

MLS Access Loss: Temporary or permanent revocation

Tax Withholding: Potential backup withholding

Pricing and feature snapshot for eSignature vendors

Compare starting prices and key capabilities for common e-sign vendors; signNow is listed first per vendor comparison standards.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial, no credit card	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently asked questions and practical answers

Answers to common execution, validity, and submission questions to help avoid processing delays and legal uncertainty.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally effective under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided intent, consent, attribution, and retrievability are documented.
When is notarization required?
Notarization depends on the specific provision or state rule; real estate instruments and certain power delegations often require notarization—check state notary rules before execution.
Are remote online notarizations (RON) acceptable?
RON is permitted in many states with identity proofing and audio‑video recording requirements; confirm the state's RON statutes and the notary commission rules prior to using RON.
Who must sign on behalf of a brokerage?
A named officer or person with written authority must sign. Maintain corporate authorization documents or power-of-attorney records to validate execution authority.
How do I correct a signed agreement?
Prepare an amendment or addendum signed by all original parties; voiding and re-executing is sometimes necessary if material terms change or there is a signature error.
How long should we retain signed agreements?
Retain for at least three years for tax purposes (IRC §6501(a)), six years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer if state law or association policy requires it.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now