Like others, I joined the local board for Supra access. I have found having the Supra key very helpful many times. It is nice when you do not have to wait for a late or disagreeable agent and it has allowed me to fit vacant houses into my schedule because I don't have to coordinate with the agent as to when they will let me in. This has turned a two inspection day into a three inspection day more than once (on smaller houses), allowing me to have another free slot in the week to schedule another inspection.

It is an expense but it also a tax deduction.

One thing I noticed to watch for in my area are the itemized fees when the board invoices you. They were charging me a political action committee fee for a while that was not mandatory to the board dues. They finally notified me that it was a voluntary fee and I dropped it immediately.

Would not having a Supra key cost me business? I would say typically not. But having the key/membership has actually got me business a few times (it has paid for itself every year that I have had it) and has made things easier on me quite a few times.

Just becasue you join the local board does not mean you are, or have to cozy up to the agents, etc. I have never attended a board function or otherwise interacted with other members. The membership and key are tools to make my job a little easier when possible.

Eric