For the second year, GAAR will participate in SPIRE, a NAR mentorship experience that provides diverse, future professionals the opportunity to work directly with a REALTOR® to learn the ins and outs of the real estate industry.

The program matches experienced GAAR REALTORS® with mentees who are newer to the profession, creating a supportive and collaborative environment in which mentees can learn from the experiences and insights of their mentors. 

Throughout the mentorship program, mentees and mentors work closely together, meeting regularly to discuss challenges and opportunities, share ideas and insights, and develop strategies for success. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing mentees to set their own goals and priorities while providing the guidance and support they need to achieve them.

Mentee Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Real Estate License is not required.
• Licensed REALTORS® must have less than 2 years of industry experience.

Mentor Expectations

• Be willing to work with an unlicensed or newly licensed Mentee.
• Help develop the Mentee’s future role in the industry by personally and professionally supporting their growth. 
• Provide exposure to new and different thinking styles, knowledge, and perspectives. 
• Share personal experience and provide advice and guidance you wished you had when you started out.
• Attend networking opportunities with fellow Spire participants.

Program Overview

• Timeline: June – October 31, 2024
• Commitment: Active program participant for 4 to 8 hours per month
• Program Materials: Self-paced program provided by NAR at no cost.

Spire Program Dates for 2024

• August 1st: Deadline to apply as a Spire Mentor or Mentee 
• August: Spire Mentor & Mentee Pairing
• September – October: Spire Mentorship Term

Overall, the NAR SPIRE Mentorship Program is an excellent opportunity for aspiring real estate professionals and for experienced REALTORS® interested in giving back to their profession by mentoring and supporting the next generation of real estate professionals.

Help shape the future of the real estate industry.

NAR SPIRE MENTORSHIP ONLINE APPLICATIONS

FAQ

Who determines acceptance into the Program?
Anyone who meets the qualifications and is committed to participating is accepted.

Who pairs a Mentor with a Mentee?
Spire Champions (GAAR Members & Staff) working on the program will review applications and pair according to career path interests. Any requests for pairing will also be considered.

Does a Mentee or Mentor have to be a minority or from a diverse background to participate?
While this is an initiative to increase a more diverse real estate industry, that is not a requirement.

What if there aren’t enough Mentors?
The goal is a one-on-one mentorship. We will strive to recruit an equal number of Mentors as Mentees. In the event there is an unequal number, NAR will provide assistance as they are working with Associations in every state.

Would a licensed Mentee get paired with a Mentor from a different brokerage?
NAR Spire is an educational program, not a recruitment program. Mentors and Mentees will likely be paired with participants outside their brokerages depending upon their area of interest. Licensed Mentees need to get permission from their QBs to participate.

What about member poaching?
There are guidelines in the Mentor Application regarding that. To date, NAR has not experienced any issues.

Are the Mentor Sessions in-person?
The NAR training sessions are hosted virtually and it is the Mentor/Mentees choice to view them together, in different locations, and/or the Mentor may choose not to view certain sessions depending upon the topic. Conversations can be in-person or virtually - the program is meant to be flexible and accommodating to busy schedules.

I’ll be unavailable for several weeks this summer, can I still participate?
Yes. As long as the Mentor and Mentee are committed to building a relationship and returning to the conversation that would not be an issue.

What type of activities are involved?

• Schedule to meet at least twice a month
• Job shadowing or on-site visits
• Training & educational sessions
• Discuss methods to advance Mentee's growth
• Attend networking or business-related events together

Who do I contact if I have questions?

• mentorship@nar.realtor
• Kent@gaar.com or LauraH@gaar.com

RESOURCES

• Spire Mentorship Overview
• Assessment for a Career Path to Real Estate

Leadership Development Program 2024

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an educational and informational program designed to encourage and develop future leaders at GAAR, in the real estate industry, and the local community.

The goal of this program is to provide you with the tools needed to have a successful leadership journey; to understand more about yourself and the important role you play as a member of this community and as a distinguished REALTOR® Member. 

The program is only held every two years and is open to a limited number of GAAR and Affiliate Members.  The next LDP will be held in the fall of 2024.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022