"The two groups tried to merge three or four years ago," sayscurrent SSAR president Joyce Baker. "But there were two many issuesat the time." No such issues exist today, says Baker, who is withCityView Real Estate in Quincy. The organizations--both of whichare geared largely to the multifamily market--voted overwhelminglyfor the merger earlier this month.

"The benefits of merger spread to all involved," Baker toldGlobeSt.com in a recent interview. "The merger gives us much morelegislative clout toward the protection of property rights," shesays. "We'll also be able to provide more educational opportunitiesfor our members and draw from a longer list of speakers." Theeducational component is especially vital since the state nowmandates continuing-education credits to maintaincertification.

Finally, she says, the marriage will decrease expenses--such asthe cost of running duplicate staffs--and increase revenues. "Andwe can decrease dues," she promises. Baker, and her counterpart onthe Plymouth group--Donna T. Wood--both hold their titles until theend of the year. They will remain on the board of the newgroup.