Posts by Claire Brenneman
NMAR vs. MLS: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters)
Back to Blog March 23, 2026 Claire Brenneman If you’ve ever wondered whether the Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® (NMAR) and the Montana Regional MLS are the same thing…you’re not alone. They work closely together, but they are separate organizations with different roles, different leadership, and different purposes. Let’s break it down. Who We Are: Your Local Association The Northwest Montana Association of…
Read MoreCode of Ethics: What It Means for You and How to Use It
Back to Blog March 9, 2026 Claire Brenneman When you joined the Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS®, you didn’t just join a trade group. You committed to a higher professional standard. The Northwest Montana Association of REALTORS® enforces the REALTOR® Code of Ethics locally on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS®. That Code is what sets REALTORS® apart from licensees who are…
Read MoreStarting Strong with NMAR: A Guide for New REALTORS®
Back to Blog March 6, 2026 Claire Brenneman Getting started as a new REALTOR® can feel like a lot — new terms, processes, and systems to learn. To make it easier, we’ve combined NMAR’s official onboarding steps with helpful tips and resources you’ll want to tackle early in your REALTOR® career here in Northwest Montana.…
Read More2026 Member Survey: What We Learned (And What’s Next)
Back to Blog March 2, 2026 Claire Brenneman Over 300 members responded to our 2026 Annual Member Survey. That is huge and proof that when we ask, you answer. A big thank-you to everyone who completed the survey! 🙌 As a token of our appreciation, we are giving three $50 gift cards randomly to those…
Read MoreFinCEN Real Estate Reporting Begins March 1, 2026
Back to Blog March 2, 2026 Claire Brenneman What Montana Buyers, Sellers, and REALTORS® Need to Know As of March 1, 2026, the new federal residential real estate reporting requirement is officially in effect nationwide, including here in Montana. The rule comes from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department…
Read MoreIs Your Member Profile Working as Hard as You Are?
Back to Blog February 17, 2026 Claire Brenneman Your business evolves. Your contact information changes. Brokerages grow, merge, and launch new offices. But if your member profile hasn’t been updated to reflect those changes, it’s not working for you — and that can create confusion for fellow members, affiliates, and even consumers trying to connect.…
Read MoreAre You Doing Good?
Back to Blog February 9, 2026 Claire Brenneman Being a REALTOR® means more than helping people buy and sell homes. It means being part of a community, showing up, lending a hand, and using your time and talents to care for the places and people that make Northwest Montana home. At the Northwest Montana Association…
Read MoreLet’s talk GRI in 2026
Back to Blog Let’s talk GRI in 2026 February 2, 2026 Claire Brenneman We’ve had a few folks reach out with questions about GRI this year. After class cancellations last year, they are simply looking for updates. So, here’s an easy, no stress rundown to help you get back on track and plan ahead for…
Read MoreUpcoming Required Mobile App Update – Effective February 2, 2026
Back to Blog Upcoming Required Mobile App Update – Effective February 2, 2026 January 26, 2026 Claire Brenneman NMAR is sharing an important update from SentriLock regarding the SentriKey® Real Estate mobile app. This update, effective February 2, 2026, is part of SentriLock’s quarterly process to ensure all users are running the most secure and…
Read MoreTeach with Homeward
Back to Blog January 26, 2026 Claire Brenneman Strong communities start with informed homeowners. This spring, we are excited to partner with Homeword, Sustainable Communities for All, to support homebuyer education right here in the Flathead Valley. Homeword is a local nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable communities by helping people achieve successful homeownership. Through education,…
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