Access to MLS as Licensed Agent, but not REALTOR in Missouri?

[Jesse Smith]

Hi!

I recently passed my Missouri salesperson licensing exam and related coursework.  My application for license was approved by the Missouri Real Estate Commission, and I've signed on with a broker.  

My question is - I need access to the MLS, but I do not want to join the NAR (KCRAR chapter). I don't believe that I am required to join KCRAR to gain MLS access, but I can't figure out how to do it. In my only discussion with my broker, she mentioned that people had fought KCRAR before to gain MLS access... but she didn't think they were successful. I'm perfectly willing to pay for my MLS access, but I don't want to pay the high membership fees for KCRAR.

Can anybody shed some light on this process?  Can I gain access to the MLS as a Missouri Licensed RE Agent, without joining KCRAR?  Thanks!

[Noel Challenger]

You should call the MLS help-desk and ask them that question directly. Here in NJ you have to be apart of the National Association of Realtors in order to have access to any MLS. You should look at the membership fee as just a cost of doing business as a real estate agent. It's all about the cost of opportunity, if you don't pay and choose not to have MLS access you can possibly be costing yourself thousands of dollars in commission because you don't have the tools to do business.