Discounts You Get Just For Being a Real Estate Agent

When you’re running your own real estate business every dollar counts, especially in the beginning. If only there was a way to get the products and services you need for less. Good news! You may be able to get discounted rates just for being a real estate agent.

Here are a few ways to leverage your job title and negotiating skills to get discounts on the daily.

REALTOR Benefits^® Program

If you still haven’t joined the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to become a Realtor rather than just a real estate agent, their benefits program may entice you. There are enough discounts to offset the annual dues and then some. Being that NAR is the largest trade association in existence, dozens of companies are more than willing to offer special discounts for a chance to tap into the 1.3+ million membership base.

Some of the most notable REALTOR Benefits Program discounts include:

• REALTORS® Insurance Marketplace - Health insurance is a huge expense for sole proprietors and contract workers. NAR has created its own special Members Health Insurance Exchange just for Realtors. You’ll find some of the best rates available for HMOs, PPOs, and HSAs.
• Adwerx - This new program partner offers Realtors an additional 15% in ad impressions at no extra cost.
• Liberty Mutual Insurance - Mention your membership to get savings on renters, home, and auto insurance.
• American Home Shield - Get a $50 discount on warranties for your own properties.
• FedEx - FedEx offers Realtors 10-20% off a variety of services. Plus, 26% off shipping services.
• Placester - Get your website up and running for free with the help of Placester.
• DocuSign - Make getting paperwork completed easier and cheaper with Docusign’s 20% off discount.
• Car rentals - Budget, Hertz, and Avis all offer Realtors 25% discounts on car rentals.
• Quickbooks - QuickBooks® Self-Employed is half-price for NAR members.
• Lenovo - When it’s time for a new laptop the 35% discount from Lenovo is a huge money saver.

NAR claims that in a single year 800,000 members collectively saved over $60 million through the benefits program. That’s totally believable when you consider the list of discounts above is just a portion of the benefits program.

State Realtor Association Discounts

Some state Realtor associations have their own special discount program for members. The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has one of the sweetest member discount programs. C.A.R. has negotiated additional discounts for its members with The Booking Community, Citrix Sharefile, UPS, Home Depot, Office Depot, and more.

See If Your Brokerage Has Negotiated Discounts

Your brokerage may also have its own discount agreements with local businesses. Ask your broker if they have any preferred vendors and what is required to receive a discount. And if you find a company that’s willing to offer a discount let your broker know so the rest of the real estate agents in your office can benefit.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Discounts

As a real estate agent, you may be able to get discounts that aren’t advertised. For example, some real estate agents have reported getting $4 off their monthly Verizon bill by simply asking if they’re willing to offer a professional discount. It may not be much, but it’s better than paying full price. Those savings add up over time.

You may be surprised how many local businesses and chain stores are willing to give you a reduced rate by simply asking for one. Here are three scenarios where that is often the case:

• Many vendors are very willing to offer special deals for items that are going to be used for closing gifts since it could bring them more business.
• The same is true for home services. You may be able to negotiate discounts for yourself if you refer clients to the provider.
• If it’s a service you’ll likely use again in the future, such as flyer printing, there’s a good chance a company will be open to offering a discount to score a repeat customer.

Don’t Forget About Tax Deductions

Whether you pay full price or a discounted rate make sure to hold on to your bills and receipts. One of the biggest price reductions you’ll get as a real estate agent comes during tax season. As a real estate agent, you are able to deduct all of your business expenses, including your NAR membership fees!