NAR’s Commercial Services Accreditation assists your association in developing commercial services, engaging members and building brand perception in your community. The program, consisting of benchmarks centered on services, was first pioneered in 2008 in collaboration with NAR’s commercial boards & structures. 

How This Helps Our Association

The program can help you identify the existing level of commercial member-centric services and engagement at your association. The first step begins when you assess how many benchmarks your association has met currently.  From there, you and your leadership can develop a course of action to meet additional benchmarks; as a result, you increase services and can recruit commercial practitioners to become members.

What are Benchmarks?

Benchmarks represent key commercial services and member engagement activities, many of which are aligned with Core Standard requirements. The benchmarks were derived from best practices at commercial overlay boards and commercial structures around the country as services proven to increase commercial member engagement. 

Download the Commercial Services Benchmarks (PDF) document as a resource!

How are Associations Recognized?

To earn the Commercial Services Accreditation, an association must achieve the minimum twenty (20) required benchmarks.  Each benchmark earns the association at least one point. Once you meet the required benchmarks, your association will be recognized with a One (1) Star Commercial Services Accreditation Award. Associations earning additional benchmarks will achieve higher star level awards. 

• 1 Star – 20 minimum required
• 2 Star – 30 total (10 plus the 20 required)
• 3 Star – 40 total (20 plus the 20 required)
• 4 Star – 50 total (30 plus the 20 required)
• 5 Star – 60 total (40 plus the 20 required)

What Does My Association Receive for Earning the Accreditation?

Recognition includes a presentation at various NAR meetings throughout the year, messaging in NAR communications, a certificate (levels 1-5), an award (levels 3-5), and the Accreditation mark (logo) you can use on your local website and communications.

When and How Do I Apply for Accreditation?

Your association can apply at any time, both for your initial accreditation, and re-applying for a higher level.   The online application allows you to save your work as you go (similar to the RCE application) Open the online application when you are ready to start working on your benchmarks and attach supporting documentation.

Once your application is complete, press submit and NAR staff will contact you within two (2) weeks.
To be recognized at the next major NAR event, the following are application due by dates:

• AEI February 1st, 2019
• REALTORS® Legislative Meetings April 1st, 2019
• Commercial Development Day July 1st, 2019
• REALTORS® Conference & Expo October 1st, 2019

What If I Need Help?

NAR Staff are and available to assist your association in assessing how you are currently serving and engaging commercial members. Staff will walk you through the benchmarks, provide examples of how other associations are meeting them, and help you develop a strategy for implementing new services. Contact Courtney Wilson anytime.