Association Models Planning Tool Best Practices

The following best practices help REALTOR® associations understand and apply operational, leadership, and volunteer practices aligned with the Administrative, Management, and Leadership models. These practices reflect increasing levels of strategic maturity, resource integration, and leadership development.

Administrative Model

Operations Best Practices

Maintain compliance with NAR Core Standards using standard templates and tools.
Operate from a basic office setup, relying on volunteers and minimal staff.
Develop a broad strategic plan annually, aligning the budget with historical spending.
Use technology mainly for basic communication (email, simple website) and outsource tech support as needed.
Rely on member dues as the main source of revenue, with occasional event income.

Leadership Best Practices

Elected officers define goals and retain decision-making authority.
AE focuses on day-to-day administration and provides support for volunteer-led initiatives.
Crisis response is informal but includes basic backup systems.
Strategic planning is broad and directed by volunteer leaders.
Legal and financial consultants are used only when needed and directed by the board.

Volunteer Best Practices

Committees are volunteer-driven and stable year to year.
Volunteers serve as primary spokespeople for communications.
Volunteer-led recruitment and orientation using national/state materials.
Volunteers lead networking events and outreach.
Limited involvement in public policy beyond NAR Calls to Action.

Management Model

Operations Best Practices

Align budget and strategic plan with clear objectives; staff regularly track progress.
Invest in updated technology infrastructure managed by staff, with external support as needed.
Maintain dedicated facilities that support programming and meetings.
Diversify non-dues revenue through events, partnerships, and limited sponsorships.
Implement a written internal crisis plan and coordinate volunteer/staff response.

Leadership Best Practices

Elected leadership develops the strategic vision; AE manages and implements operations.
Committees align with strategic goals and receive strong staff support.
Staff participate in strategic discussions and manage operations with autonomy within set boundaries.
Staff and volunteers jointly identify trends and develop responses.
Engage legal and financial consultants regularly and integrate them into ongoing operations.

Volunteer Best Practices

Volunteer recruitment is coordinated between staff and current leaders.
Committees adapt as needed to meet evolving goals.
Leadership development is informal but supported with some mentoring.
Volunteers help with communications and serve as spokespersons alongside the CEO.
Members and volunteers participate in locally supported political and public policy activities.

Leadership Model

Operations Best Practices

Fully integrate budget and strategic plan to guide daily operations.
Develop in-house technology and adopt innovations early; tech strategy is a core function.
Operate a multifunctional facility (training center, retail, hybrid meeting space).
Establish strategic non-dues revenue (subsidiaries, investments, sponsorships).
Maintain a comprehensive crisis plan that includes public communications and charitable support.

Leadership Best Practices

AE co-creates strategy with elected leaders and leads operational planning and innovation.
AE is a visionary leader with authority to make key decisions and lead change.
Senior staff have clear roles, decision-making authority, and succession planning.
Leadership development is proactive, intentional, and inclusive of future volunteers and staff.
Legal and CPA advisors are embedded in strategic operations and planning.

Volunteer Best Practices

Committees evolve with strategy and are guided by expert staff liaisons.
Volunteers and CEO co-lead member and public communications.
Volunteers are identified through formal pipelines and leadership programs.
Volunteers engage in high-level advocacy, policy formation, and fundraising.
Volunteer leaders help frame public policy and serve as trusted community and industry voices.