Frequently Asked Question's about FCAR

WHAT IS FCAR?
FCAR is short for the Frederick County Association of REALTORS®. It is a local association made up of REALTOR® Members and Affiliate Members in Frederick County, Maryland. The mission of the Frederick County Association of REALTORS® (FCAR) is to enhance its members’ professionalism and adherence to the Code of Ethics, and to raise the awareness of the value of REALTORS® through community and political involvement in protecting real property rights. FCAR achieves its mission through collaboration with the Maryland REALTORS®, the National Association of REALTORS® and other like-minded organizations. Our Board of Directors, volunteers and staff work to offer services to real estate professionals and to provide avenues for our members to become more successful.
 

HOW DO YOU FIND A REALTOR®?
Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. When you work with a REALTOR®, you are working with a professional that adheres to the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. You can search for a local FCAR REALTOR® by name or company by clicking HERE.
 

HOW DO YOU FIND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS? (I.E. TITLE CO, MORTGAGE LENDERS)
FCAR members that are not REALTORS® are called Strategic Partners. They work side by side with our REALTOR® members. You can search for FCAR Strategic Partners members by clicking HERE.
 

WHAT IS THE INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY?
Occasionally, dangerous weather conditions will force FCAR to modify the hours of operation, class schedules and/or events. The FCAR Office follows the policy of the Frederick County Public School system, which can be found HERE.  If FCPS Schools are closed, the FCAR office will be closed.  If FCPS Schools are running on a delayed opening or early closure schedule, the FCAR office hours will be adjusted accordingly. Meetings, classes or events planned during the adjusted hours will be canceled or postponed. FCAR members will be notified if the meeting, class or event will be rescheduled. Please call the FCAR office at 301-663-0757 to confirm inclement weather closures and changes.  A message will be available on FCAR’s website (www.fcar.org) by 8:30 a.m. announcing any changes to the normal office hours. You can find out more information about this by clicking HERE.
 

WHERE DO I GO FOR A SENTRILOCK BOX, SIGNS AND OTHER REALTOR® ITEMS?
We sell Sentrilock Boxes, replacement batteries and other accessories. You can stop by anytime, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to pick one up.
You can find all the items you need for your real estate business right here at our Online REALTOR® shop. We offer sign riders, water bottles, shoe covers, open house sign-in books, and much more. Click HERE to view all the items in our shop. 
 

DOES FCAR OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES?
Yes! We offer day and evening continuing education classes. You can find out more about class schedules and registration by clicking HERE. 
 

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES?
Yes, for most continuing education classes, FCAR charges its members $25 for a three-hour class and $15 for a 1 1/2 hour classes. Non-members can participate in CE classes as well and are charged $35 for a three-hour class and $25 for a 1 1/2 hour class. You can read more about FCAR's continuing education policies on our Continuing Education page.
 

ARE THE CLASSES I TAKE AT FCAR REPORTED TO DLLR? HOW CAN I VERIFY THE INFORMATION IS CORRECT? 
Yes, all CE classes taken here at FCAR are reported to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You can get more information about how to verify the credits by clicking HERE.
 

HOW DO I PAY MY DUES?
Our membership Coordinator Kelley Burley can also help you with questions and to pay your dues. She can be reached at 301-663-0757 or at kelley@fcar.org.
 

WHAT IS RPAC?
RPAC stands for REALTOR® Political Action Committee. The REALTOR® Party is non-partisan. RPAC investments from REALTOR® members go to elected officials and candidates that support issues important to the real estate industry. You can get more information about RPAC by clicking HERE.
 

WHERE DO I FIND UPCOMING EVENTS?
FCAR holds classes and special events throughout the year. Click HERE to access the FCAR events page.
 

WHERE DO I GO IF I HAVE A SUGGESTION OR COMPLAINT?
If you have an FCAR related suggestion or complaint, please e-mail Hugh Gordon at hugh@fcar.org. If you have a legal question related to a transaction or contract, you may contact the Maryland REALTORS® Legal Hotline at 1-800-888-1272 or visit their Legal Hotline web page. If you have a REALTOR® Ethics related complaint, please click HERE for information regarding Ethics Complaints, Ombudsman, Arbitration, and Mediation services. 
 

HOW DO I BECOME A FCAR MEMBER AS A REALTOR® OR AFFILIATE?
We are always looking for new members. You can click HERE to view the new membership page. On it you'll find some of the benefits you will receive as an FCAR member, current dues schedules and the application to apply. If you have questions about becoming a member, contact Kelley Burley at 301-663-0757 or kelley@fcar.org.
 

HOW DO I JOIN AN FCAR COMMITTEE, APPLY FOR A BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION OR GET MORE INVOLVED?
There are many different ways you can become involved in FCAR. Joining a committee is a great way to get started being more involved in FCAR. We have committees to fit every interest and talent. You can find out more about the current committees and the dates/times the committee meets by clicking HERE.
 

WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS AND WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Our office is located at 478 Prospect Blvd. Frederick, MD 21701 and we are open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 

DOES FCAR OFFER PRE-LICENSING CLASSES?
At this time, we do not offer any pre-licensing classes. You can find out more information about pre-licensing requirements by clicking HERE. 
 

WHERE CAN I FIND LISTING AND CONTRACT FORMS?
These forms are for FCAR REALTOR® members only. Please click HERE to log in to access these forms. 
 

WHAT PORTION OF MY DUES ARE DEDUCTIBLE?
FCAR does not give advice about tax-related issues. Please consult your tax advisor with questions about deductions.
 

WHERE DO I FIND HOME SALES STATISTICS?
FCAR publishes monthly housing statistics from Maryland REALTORS® and BrightMLS that are available by clicking HERE. 
 

DO I HAVE TO DONATE TO RPAC (REALTORS® POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE?)
Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed.