Members of Mainstreet Organization of Realtors (MORe) and the Realtor Association of Northwest Chicagoland (RANWC) approved the merger of the two associations after an overwhelming majority vote. The associations will officially join forces on October 1, 2011.

The organization will maintain the MORe name because of the strong brand recognition. The MORe organization will be the largest in Illinois and the fourth largest in the country with 16,000 members.

According to current MORe President Christine Chase, the merger will allow MORe to be more cost effective while providing even more quality programs, products and services to members.

“We will be able to enhance service to our members, while putting our organization in an extremely solid position moving forward,” Chase said in a press release. “Pending home sales are up nationwide, and we want to be ready when the market turns.”

According to RANWC President Bob Dohn, the millions of homeowners in MORe’s new jurisdiction, which covers nearly 200 municipalities throughout DuPage, Lake and suburban Cook County, will also benefit from the merger.

“Our larger presence will give us an even stronger voice when it comes to promoting the best interests of local REALTORS® as well as protecting private property rights and advocating for homeowners in suburban Chicago,” Dohn said in a statement. He added that with increased support from MORe’s six offices in Downers Grove, Arlington Heights, Chicago, Libertyville, Naperville and Tinley Park, Realtors will be able to provide superior service to their clients.