To all the agents in the house,
I just wrote on the antitrust lawsuits and investigations facing the National Association of Realtors, for which the trade group made Ron Phipps, NAR's president in 2011, available for an interview. I asked Phipps whether someone could succeed as a real estate agent in America without becoming a dues-paying member of NAR.
Phipps paused for a bit, and then answered, "Yes, you could succeed. You could make a living."
But, "If you want to have an organization that encourages you to be the best professionally, NAR is the most amazing platform."
Phipps, a broker at Phipps Realty in Warwick, Rhode Island, specifically touted NAR's code of ethics and the resources the organization provides, such as training. He did not mention NAR membership can be viewed as a prerequisite for some agents in gaining access to their local multiple listings service, or joining a brokerage.
Some, like Chey Toy, a RE/MAX agent in Scottsdale, Arizona, describe NAR as a powerful force for good, lobbying to ensure that the agent remains central to people achieving the American dream of homeownership. Others, like Darrell Hurdiburgh, broker at Real Estate for a Cause in Oakland, Michigan, wondered if NAR is doing enough, particularly as Congress does not act on the trade group's federal agenda for more tax credits and grants toward homebuilding.
One matter to closely watch is NAR's professed commitment toward diversity, equity and inclusion. NAR has argued that its buyer's broker commission policy, in which the house seller pays the entire commission and which is the subject of antitrust action, actually dovetails with promoting diversity. The argument here from NAR is that if the buyer does not have to pay any commission that makes home ownership more affordable for more people, including more Black and Hispanic homeowners.
When I asked Phipps about whether diversity is measured by more non-white agents and more non-white homeowners, he unequivocally said, "Yes." That at least provides NAR some accountability, particularly in recruiting and retaining non-white agents, who make up just 21% of NAR member agents.
Agents, please let me know your thoughts. Is NAR keeping you informed about its priorities as an organization? And is it helping agents during an unusual time for the housing market?
Please email me anonymously at mblake@hwmedia.com.
Sincerely,
Matthew Blake
Senior Real Estate Reporter
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