REOMAC- Bahh-Humbug!!!

So how many of you fellow REOPRO-ers have run into the REOMAC membership brick wall?I've tried to join REOMAC for about 3 years now and have had no luck whatsoever.What is up with these guys? It reminds me of the 'clubs' that kids would put together when I was in elementary school, (not long after the wheel was invented), where the rules for membership were never quite explained, joining was a process cloaked in secrecy and the members were part of the 'popular crowd'.Apparently, they do not want any more real estate agents regardless of our experience, references or genuine desire to see the industry we work in improve, (Which I thought was the goal of REOMAC).I've had non-agent members submit recommendation letters on my behalf, made calls, sent letters and even emails trying to determine if there is even a waiting list to get on and all to no avail.All I've ever received is a form letter-type of reply...I am unsure of why I've expended so much effort to try to join a group that does not appear to actually practice what it preaches..perhaps it's just an OCD thing or that inner need to belong...Whatever the case, it is killing me that I am going to have to pay hundreds of dollars to attend an event promoted by an organization that is apparently harder to join the Bildeburgers, CFR or Skull & Bones.However, I have clients that are attending who've inquired about whether I'll be there, so regardless of my enimity towards their bizarre membership criteria, I will grit my teeth, pay the ransom and attend...WooHoo!So, for those of you out there who enjoy membership within the rarefied atmosphere of REOMAC, what's it like?Do you have secret handshakes?, Stange and cryptic rituals? or is it like the Moose lodge near where I live and used as an excuse for binge drinking?Please Do Tell!For those of you who have tried to join but not managed to make it into the industry organization, what are your thoughts?Lastly, aside from REOPRO, what other trade groups are there where we can network and learn of new best practices?Your thoughts are most welcome!

I will attempt to explain how REOMAC operates. No, they do not allow just anyone to join and they have a criteria. Their membership consists of 1/4 REO agents, 1/4 Lenders and 1/4 title companies, attorneys, 1/4 outsource companies. Once these fractions are reached, membership is closed until there is an opening. That's what I like about REOMAC. Their ratios are even. As a member, you are privy to private dinners/parties with the Lenders, etc. REOMAC tries very hard to keep "unqualified" people out. By the first of the year, REOMAC is going to open up their membership and I would suggest you get on their notification list. I know of one experienced REO agent that has been trying to become a member since the 1990's, my guess is that she is in the same office as a REOMAC board member. They do not like having more than one agent in the same office. Next time you go to a REOMAC Conference try meeting someone that sits on the board, mingle with actual members and then stay in touch. Membership does not guarantee more business but it helps. Sorry, but we not have secret rituals and as far as binge drinking, if that's what you like to do I'm sure you can find a group that will accommodate you. LOL! Personally, this is a well run organization and I would not want to belong if they "opened" up their membership to just anyone. Five Star is great but the last time I went agents far outnumbered lenders. Membership fees are due by the end of every January, check their website after that, maybe you will get lucky and someone won't pay and get booted out. Patience, but remember, there are literally thousands of agents wanting to join. I was one of the lucky ones and joined in 2000 when I was an asset mgr as an affiliate, when I transitioned to an REO agent in Feb '08 my membership was going to remain as an affiliate because the agent side was closed, but with the help of a board member it was changed to an agent member. Sometimes it is who you know. Good luck and hope this helps!

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Comments

Clay Kime, REOM, CDPE, RDCPro December 3, 2009 at 5:21pm

It seems we live in a society where "paying your dues" is repugnant. (And I don't mean that monetarily.)

REOMAC like other well run organizations are overwhelmed with mass applications to join. I'm not a member, but would be privileged for the opportunity. It may never come, but I am not excluded from participation . . . and neither are you!

While many bemoan the fact that they can't join (yet), at least give credit to organizations like REOMAC that provide excellent educational and networking opportunities to "everyone" in our industry. I have no doubt that I have benefited from their organization and events, without the added benefit of formal membership.

Wake-up and smell the coffee!
Rick Fine December 2, 2009 at 10:48am

I like the Groucho comment!
Cindy, thanks for the detail. I agree with your comments about 5 Star. I'll continue to check the website and who knows, if a member falls out, I might get lucky. Then again, I am more than a little partial to Billie's perspective...
MARK HEBERT December 2, 2009 at 6:16am

REOMAC often has their leap-frog program as a way to join. Potential agents, for example, bring in a new member in 1 of the 2 other groups-both joining and being cross referenced at the time. This allows the agent to avoid the wait. I'm not sure if the program is active at this time.
Cindy Billman, SRES ®, SFR®, CDPE December 2, 2009 at 5:16am

I will attempt to explain how REOMAC operates. No, they do not allow just anyone to join and they have a criteria. Their membership consists of 1/4 REO agents, 1/4 Lenders and 1/4 title companies, attorneys, 1/4 outsource companies. Once these fractions are reached, membership is closed until there is an opening. That's what I like about REOMAC. Their ratios are even. As a member, you are privy to private dinners/parties with the Lenders, etc. REOMAC tries very hard to keep "unqualified" people out. By the first of the year, REOMAC is going to open up their membership and I would suggest you get on their notification list. I know of one experienced REO agent that has been trying to become a member since the 1990's, my guess is that she is in the same office as a REOMAC board member. They do not like having more than one agent in the same office. Next time you go to a REOMAC Conference try meeting someone that sits on the board, mingle with actual members and then stay in touch. Membership does not guarantee more business but it helps. Sorry, but we not have secret rituals and as far as binge drinking, if that's what you like to do I'm sure you can find a group that will accommodate you. LOL! Personally, this is a well run organization and I would not want to belong if they "opened" up their membership to just anyone. Five Star is great but the last time I went agents far outnumbered lenders. Membership fees are due by the end of every January, check their website after that, maybe you will get lucky and someone won't pay and get booted out. Patience, but remember, there are literally thousands of agents wanting to join. I was one of the lucky ones and joined in 2000 when I was an asset mgr as an affiliate, when I transitioned to an REO agent in Feb '08 my membership was going to remain as an affiliate because the agent side was closed, but with the help of a board member it was changed to an agent member. Sometimes it is who you know. Good luck and hope this helps!
Billie Dalessio December 2, 2009 at 4:01am

“Please accept my resignation. I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member”
Groucho Marx quotes (American Comedian, Actor and Singer, 1890-1977)
I share your frustration, but they will let you sponsor an event-lol

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