These administrative instructions and required documents help local associations process a request for merger with the National Association, once the legal process to file a merger according to the state’s law has taken place. 

These procedures apply only to associations that have completed a legal merger. A merger involves one association dissolving, transferring its assets, liabilities, business affairs, and assigned territory to the surviving association. Associations should consult legal counsel regarding merger requirements. 

This differs from an association that simply surrenders its NAR charter and dissolves without a merger. In that case, members may join another association, but the dissolved association’s territory becomes unassigned under NAR policy and cannot be transferred to another association. Any association seeking that territory must submit a change of jurisdiction application to NAR. See the Unassigned Territory section for details on requesting a change of jurisdiction.

Considering a merger but haven’t filed yet? 
Review this Pre-Merger Decision Guide.

How to Submit a Merger Request to NAR

1. Submit Application

Local associations requesting NAR recognition of a merger must complete an Application for Merger of Member Associations and submit it with all supporting documents to the National Association for consideration.

If the application is in order and the supporting documents are complete, NAR will administratively approve the merger, update its jurisdiction records, and notify the applicant associations and the State Association in writing. Nothing in these procedures or in NAR’s jurisdiction policies will prohibit non-contiguous local associations from merging.

2. State Association Consideration

The applicant association must also forward a copy of the merger application and supporting documentation to the State Association for its information.

3. Required Meeting Minutes

Unless the association’s bylaws or state law require otherwise, approval must be by a majority of members present and qualified to vote at a properly called meeting where a quorum is present.

4. Association Name Changes

If the merged association selects a new name, NAR will process the name-change portion of the merger application under NAR’s Name Change Procedure. The association must also complete the “Agreement to Use the Term REALTOR®” in duplicate, signed by the association’s President and Secretary.

Note: There are two versions of the Agreement to Use the Term REALTOR® in the name of the local association: one for incorporated associations and one for unincorporated associations. Use the form that matches the association’s corporate status.

5. Chapter Formation

Some local associations considering a merger may choose a “chapter” structure to preserve their identity under the Organizational Alignment Core Standards program. Read more about chapter formation.

6. Charter Date

Unless otherwise requested, the association will retain the oldest charter date of the associations which are signatories to the application for merger.

7. Multi-State Jurisdiction

If the merger will give a local association assigned territorial jurisdiction in more than one state, the merger application must include either a copy of the agreement between the affected state associations regarding state membership for REALTOR® members, or written notification that no agreement exists. Where affected state associations have no contrary agreement, current NAR policy provides that REALTORS® holding primary membership will hold state membership in the state association where their office is located. Merging associations are encouraged to discuss and resolve this issue with affected state associations early in the merger process. (revised 4-98)

8. Membership Records

The surviving association should contact NAR’s Membership Records at 800-868-3225 to request a ledger of members for all associations that will be dropped as a result of the merger and to receive instructions for reconciling member records in automated and non-automated states. This step helps ensure that NAR’s database reflects accurate member counts and records for dues calculations and director entitlement.

Frequently Asked Questions and Support

For additional guidance, read frequently asked questions about association mergers. 

Further questions can be directed to (312) 329-8399 or email NARPolicyQuestions@nar.realtor.

Document Checklist

Submit the online merger application and all required supporting documents together. At a minimum, the submission should include the merger application, each signatory association’s membership-meeting minutes approving the merger, any required Agreement to Use the Term REALTOR® form, and any multi-state jurisdiction documentation that applies.

  1. Application for Merger of Member Associations completed online.
     
  2. Copy of association minutes. Both signatory associations are required to upload a copy of the minutes from a general membership meeting which includes the official action taken in approving the merger.
     
  3. Agreement to Use the Term REALTOR® form signed by the President and Secretary and uploaded to the online application form. Note: This form is not required if the association retains the present name of one of the signatory associations.
     
  4. Copy of agreement regarding state membership or written confirmation that no agreement exists. (Applies only to mergers resulting in a local association having assigned territorial jurisdiction in more than one state.)