Jason Osborn If it weren't for the NAR, we would be competing with real estate offices in banks. They have done some good.

The biggest benefit is that you get to pay the dues and continue to wonder about the benefits.

The link that Carol Williams provided is excellent -- but there are many other items that are not mentioned.

Just like ActiveRain, the NAR is a great place to meet others in the industry and network.  I have received many referrals from NAR members that I have met at conventions.

I have also learned many valuable tips form classes offered by the NAR.

And like ActiveRain or your future real estate career, you will get as much or as little back as you put into it in the first place.

They like to dictate things for each board. Standardization. Unfortunately  we are a union with 50 different State laws. It has messed up our MLS system as many fields call out do not  work that way.  They advise agents to be safe. I got to pay them $20 to learn about how to be safe?  

You may want to learn about antitrust laws, and designations.... 

As a realtor I don't see any benefit. My wallet is lighter from that lobbying org. membership year after year.

I like the collaborative efforts and voice we have, the education available that is abundant and the commitment I have through my Association to be professional and have high integrity.

As a member of NAR, I am eligible to join my state/local associations and gain access to the MLS which is still the primary way to gain access to most listings.

Jason,

As commercial real estate broker and agents in Los Angeles, I don't recall agent or brokerage anyone being NAR members.    

What Roy Kelley said

Zilch

Go for it!  You won't regret it.

A designation is only as good as the agent behind it. That said, I do think higher of Realtors over non-Realtors as a first impression (until proven otherwise), because of what the Realtor designation represents to me.

Realtors have the tools, education & ethics to be better in this industry than just agents. They may not all take advantage of them, but the opportunity to be better is there.  

I receive great networking opportunities, training, discounts, a political voice for our industry, incredible resources in books & blogs, great statistics & market data and of course our Code of Ethics.

Realtors have the opportunity to be better trained in ethics as a standard of practice, and it often shows in my experience. Sure, there are great agents who didn't bother to become a Realtor, but I just think we Realtors are better off for what our designation represents,  the commitment we made to the Code of Ethics which we hold as a standard of practice .  I seek out other Realtors to refer business to over just an agent. I choose to behave as and run my business as a Realtor and I educate my clients on the difference.

none

They advocate for private property rights and have a very strong political lobby w/ RPAC .

I like the designations. 

They are a source of great information. They offer many benefits I do noit take advantage of! 

 Good Sunday morning Jason. I too am working on my license.

Designations/Certifications probably only. I do not really read NAR updates. 

Here is a link to a page that outlines some of the many benefits of being a member of the National Association of Realtors.
http://www.realtor.org/member-benefits/value-of-membership

Many members have a bit of an "attitude" because they don't really understand and don't utilize the many services of NAR.   Check out the other tabs at the top of that page too.  

Good luck in your studies.

Staying up to date with laws, different ways of doing things...

A long list of benefits.

You get mls, thats all. Can't think of another one.

Jason,
As you see from the answers NAR has done some good but tends to have a very poor relationship with their members. If NAR were optional (which it may be in the future) membership may drop like a rock.

Zip.  Zero.  Zilch.  Nada.  How many ways can you say "nothing?"  I get more out of my NRA membership then the NAR.

I have found absolutely zero benefit to NAR.  We are forced into joining and paying dues, much like a union.  There is no way out that I have seen.  If I could, I would.

when I was active, I had 9 designations.... adn they were recognized by the NAR....