Welcome to the Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS® organization! If you are a newly licensed agent and have decided which firm you are going to hang your license with, below are the steps to join our Board:
⚠️ IMPORTANT FOR BICS: NAR Membership Policy & Non-Member Dues
Agents, brokers, and appraisers affiliated with a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) who is a member of a REALTOR® Association have the option to join the Association as well. However, if they choose not to join, the BIC — as the firm’s Designated REALTOR® — will be billed non-member dues for each unaffiliated licensee, per NAR policy.
📌 From the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR):
“Once the principal(s) decide to join the REALTOR® association, then all agents, brokers and appraisers that are licensed or affiliated with him or her have the option of also joining as members of the association.
Each REALTOR® firm appoints one of its principals as a ‘Designated REALTOR®’ for the firm. If any agents, brokers, or appraisers affiliated with the firm choose not to be REALTORS®, then the ‘Designated REALTOR®’ would be assessed a non-member assessment by the association for each non-member.”
💬 Recommendation for BICs:
If an affiliated agent chooses not to join the Association, be sure to discuss the financial impact with them in advance. As the Designated REALTOR®, you will be responsible for paying their non-member dues unless they become a member themselves.
✅ Quick Steps to Join LOTSAR & Access MLS
- BIC completes the LOTSAR Change Form
This form is used to add new agents and/or remove departing ones. - Agent submits the REALTOR® Membership Application
This can be found on the LOTSAR website under Forms, or linked here. - LOTSAR creates the agent’s profile and sends a dues invoice
This includes the $250 join fee and prorated annual dues. - Agent pays the invoice
Payment can be made online via the email link or the InfoHub (preferred) or by calling 828-239-2905. - Letter of Good Standing sent to CanopyMLS
LOTSAR emails this letter to CanopyMLS, with both agent and BIC copied. - BIC or agent submits paperwork to CanopyMLS
CanopyMLS finalizes MLS access and adds the agent to the system. - Agent attends LOTSAR New Member Orientation (lunch provided)
Orientation and Contracts training and must be completed within 30 days.
🔍 Detailed Steps to Join LOTSAR & Gain MLS Access
1. BIC Completes the LOTSAR Change Form
The process starts with the Broker-in-Charge (BIC) submitting the LOTSAR Change Form.
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LOTSAR cannot process an agent’s application without confirming their license number and firm affiliation.
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To avoid delays, please attach the Broker Affiliation form from NCREC with your submission.
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Bringing in a new firm? If the firm is not already in LOTSAR’s system, you must submit a second Change Form to register the new firm.
2. Agent Completes the REALTOR® Membership Application
Next, the new agent must complete the REALTOR® Membership Application.
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Agents are strongly encouraged to schedule a New Member Appointment with our Membership Department. This brief session answers questions, reviews member benefits, and ensures a smooth on-boarding process.
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IMPORTANT: New members must attend LOTSAR Orientation within 30 days of joining. Failure to do so may result in termination of membership and MLS access being revoked.
3. LOTSAR Sends Membership Dues Invoice
Once both forms are received, LOTSAR will create the new member’s profile and email an invoice to the agent.
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Look for an email from kbechdel@lotsar.org.
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The invoice includes:
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$250 Join Fee
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$800 Annual Dues (dues may be prorated for new or returning members)
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Payment options:
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Online payment via the invoice email or logging into the InfoHub (preferred)
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Or call 828-239-2905 to pay by phone
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4. LOTSAR Sends Letter of Good Standing
After the invoice is paid, LOTSAR will send an email Letter of Good Standing to:
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CanopyMLS (the agent and BIC are copied)
This email confirms the agent’s eligibility for MLS access.
5. MLS Activation by CanopyMLS
The agent or BIC must then submit any required paperwork directly to CanopyMLS.
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Once received, CanopyMLS will complete the agent’s MLS setup and activation.
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For MLS questions, contact their staff in Charlotte:
membership@canopyrealtors.com or 704-940-3159
6. Attend LOTSAR New Member Orientation & Contracts Training
New members are required to complete two separate classes within 30 days of joining:
- LOTSAR New Member Orientation (lunch provided)
- This class provides an overview of:
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LOTSAR membership benefits and resources
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Association policies and structure
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NAR-required Code of Ethics training
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Fair Housing education, also required by NAR
✔️ Orientation is mandatory to remain in good standing with LOTSAR, NCREALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®.
- Contracts Class with Greg Goosmann
- Led by local real estate attorney and Platinum Allied Member, Greg Goosmann, this in-depth session focuses on:
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Commonly used real estate contracts and standard forms
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Legal insights and best practices for completing transactions
