What I Think About The National Association of Realtors©

What I Think About The National Association of Realtors© by Bill Roberts

Back in 1975 when I joined my local Board of Realtors© it wasn’t because I wanted to, it was because I had to IF I WANTED ACCESS TO THE MLS. Well, today that reason no longer exists. Everyone has MLS access.

And it wasn’t because I wanted to wear the “R.”  I never did. It is not my style.

And it wasn’t because I felt “like I belonged” because they never did make me feel that way.

So, why am I still a member 43 years later?  I’ve been asking myself that very question.

It is not because I feel that the NAR “represents” me or my needs. They seem to represent themselves only, but want me to pay for it.

I think the reason I belong has something to do with how real estate agents are perceived. Many people have (or had) a low opinion of real estate sales people. The Code of Ethics of The National Association of Realtors© and the national advertising about that gave us a better image.

I don’t believe that their lobbying efforts in Washington DC have done anything for me. I would prefer that they saved the money.

Personally, I could care less about Realtor.com. That is not one of my issues. I just hope they got a good deal.

So, what would I do if it was entirely up to me?

Well, the first thing I would is move the HQ out of Chicago. I would put it in a more favorable and friendlier place (not to mention safer). And I would FIRE all the employees.

Then I would focus on the needs of the membership. Maybe convert it into a mutual benefit society. We could use better healthcare and retirement. Why not?

We (all of us) need to do something about access to homeownership. As long as permit fees and impact fees are so high, affordable housing for first-time buyers is out of the question.  Close that office on K Street and start working locally. Forget hobnobbing with Congress and start working with LOCAL people to make it easier to build a new home.

And I would “create” a national MLS sponsored b y the NAR. It would be free to members and very expensive (but still available) to non-members.

Since it is unlikely that they will leave everything up to me, I hope that some of these ideas are adopted by those that can make a difference.