New Member Guide - Issue #1

A series of monthly guides for new GRAR members about the tools and services provided by the association. We are here to support your success in real estate.

Issue #1

MLS ACCESS & YOUR MEMBER PORTAL

The Member Portal

This is where you go to access the MLS (Matrix) and all the tools that are available to you as a member of GRAR. This is your own personal Portal. It is visible only to you.

To get to the Member Portal ...

Go to GRAR.org
Click "I'm a Member"

Enter your username and password.

Note: The first time you log in to the Portal, you will complete a few steps to enroll in the MLS. The MLS is owned by UNYREIS (Upstate New York Real Estate Information Services, LLC) and managed by GRAR on behalf of UNYREIS.

Visit GRAR.org

Tip: Bookmark GRAR.org Now!

Add a bookmark to your browser and/or create a shortcut on your desktop.

YOUR MEMBER PORTAL PHOTO

To add your photo to your Member Portal, click the orange "Edit" button next to "My Profile".

Go to the Photo tab, then click the Update button. Select a photo on your computer or take a photo. Click the Submit button to save.

EDUCATION REMINDER

All new GRAR members are required to take the following three courses within 90 days of joining the association.

(1) GRAR New Member Orientation - 1.5 hours; no Continuing Education credit; no cost

(2) Matrix One - MLS Workshop - 3 hours; CE credit; no cost

Call GRAR Member Services to register for the above classes

585.292.5000

(3) NAR New Member Code of Ethic Training - Take this course online at your earliest convenience. After clicking the link below, go to Option #3 "Course for New Members (no charge)". There's no CE credit for this class.

Note: If you prefer an on-site ethics course with CE credit, you may register for the GRAR 4-hour Code of Ethics class at a discounted price. Call Member Services to register for the GRAR ethics class.

NAR Code of Ethics Online Training

ADVERTISING GUIDELINES

Before ordering business cards, creating your web page, sending client emails, or buying advertising, be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations governing licensed real estate promotion and solicitation.

Advertising Marketing Plan Branding Business Technology concept.

The New York State Association of REALTORS® (NYSAR) has put together a series of resources to educate agents on the state-mandated regulations. You should also check with your broker for any additional guidelines that have been established for your firm.

Full text of advertising regulations
NYSAR Radio - a recording of the January 17, 2017 show on this topic
"Legal Lines" article
New York State REALTOR® Magazine article - pages 12-15

CONTRACTS & FORMS

Paper Forms

There are two ways to print or download contracts and forms for hard copy use:

(1) Go to TransactionDesk - Click the 4th icon in the column on the left side of the screen. This icon looks like a piece of paper and it says "Instanet Forms" when you hover over it. On the next screen, click “All GRAR Forms”. Scroll to the form you need and click on the three vertical small circles to the far right of that line. Select “Download” or “Print”.

(2) Click the Contracts, Addenda & Forms button on the Member Portal to access PDF version of all documents

Electronic Forms & Signatures

Complete all forms and get signatures electronically with TransactionDesk (previously called Instanet Forms). This tool is available to GRAR Members who are MLS participants. Once you've set up your Matrix account, TransactionDesk can be accessed via the Portal.