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Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.
The National Association of Realtors has found itself in the throes of drama for several years now, especially over the past year and a half. From leadership scandals to lawsuits, it’s been a tough time to work at NAR — and a tough time to be a Realtor.
Now, questions about Clear Cooperation are in the air, the trade group is seeking to define and enhance its legal strategy moving forward, there are still buyer-side commission lawsuits and a Department of Justice investigation, all under the aegis of a new CEO.
Out of all of these challenges (and more), we asked which one(s) you see as the biggest obstacle NAR is facing. Do you think the organization can claw its way out of its current troubles, or will groups like AREA grab market share? Does NAR’s governmental function make it practically irreplaceable, or has the time come for an alternative? Do you see real estate pros decentralizing their representation or adopting a system that’s more local? Here’s what you said:
- Complete loss of respect from Realtors. NAR threw us under the bus
- Big tech’s involvement has been part of the downfall of the industry past 20 years
- NAR has overstepped its boundaries interfering with Realtors’ free speech, freedom of religion and policing the lives of Realtors. NAR is poorly run and no longer represents the best interests of Realtors. I am disgusted with NAR.
- Break three-way agreement
- Retaining membership as agents feel abandoned and betrayed
- Its relevancy, value proposition, and near and long survivability
- Dramatic loss of members, who do not want to pay for official misconduct and incompetent NAR lawyers
- Trust. We have no trust in NAR, no faith
- NAR leadership: No value added to me as an agent
- Housing supply problems blocking transaction sales because all that’s being built are multifamily rentals and luxury for-sale housing, which cause the super low inventory to sell … hurting the industry to the tune of 3 million plus fewer housing sales. That’s $90 billion in lost commissions, not to mention the loss to the rest of the economy and lack of us growing homeownership! Ouch!
- NAR’s biggest challenge is MLS organizations no longer requiring members to join their local association in order to access the MLS. If that happens, members may decide to not maintain membership in their local associations, which means that they will likely not maintain membership in their state’s association and the NAR. Too many Realtors are not involved in their association and, thus, don’t appreciate and use the services they provide, to everyone’s detriment. It will be difficult for associations at all three levels to survive should that happen. The more they cut their services, the less value they will provide to their remaining members.
- Clear Cooperation
Editor’s note: These responses were given anonymously and, therefore, are not attributed to anyone specifically. Responses were also edited for grammar and clarity. Inman doesn’t endorse any specific method and regulations may vary from state to state.
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