Realty One Group Allows Agents to Leave NAR

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has faced significant challenges recently, with 2023 marked by internal discord and a severe legal setback, and 2024 overshadowed by an expensive settlement and controversial rule changes. These developments have sparked debates over the association's relevance, with some industry members challenging the mandatory membership requirements through lawsuits.

Amidst this turmoil, Realty ONE Group, a major franchise with over 20,000 agents worldwide, has introduced a novel option for its Phoenix-based agents. Starting January 1, 2025, agents at eight Phoenix locations can choose to dissociate from NAR. This initiative coincides with the launch of the Phoenix Realtors' MLS Choice program, which allows brokers to access MLS and legal forms without needing to join a Realtor association.

This shift towards more flexible membership options is gaining traction elsewhere, as evidenced by actions like the Alabama Realtors' September request to NAR to make membership optional. This reflects a growing sentiment among agents and brokers against mandatory association membership as a prerequisite for MLS access, underscored by at least three active lawsuits against NAR.

Realty ONE Group's leaders have voiced strong support for agent autonomy.

ewgieniew emphasized the company's commitment to providing choices, stating, "Choice and opportunity will always be number ONE for us because the real estate professional is the center of their business, and the center of ours." Pat Kelly, President of Brokerage Operations, also affirmed, "We want our agents to have a choice and know they always have a home with us, whether or not they choose to affiliate with NAR."

This policy change by Realty ONE Group could set a precedent in the real estate industry, potentially leading to broader shifts in how agents engage with industry associations.