What can the NAR do for you? This is your chance to tell them and know they'll hear it.

Jonathan,

I think realtor.com is so overpriced, it's ridiculous. Add the $100-$300 a month many pay for the right to "enhance" listings, on top of dues and how in the world does N.A.R. reconcile that cost?  I get maybe one hit a week from realtor.com on my webiste (I have plenty of listings) and over 100 from Active Rain. Trulia, Zillow and Craig's list all bring more than realtor.com.  I'm seriously thinking of dropping my realtor.com membership next time it's due.  It hasn't done a thing for me, but more importantly, it hasn't done a thing for my clients.

Jonathan...  I'm afraid this won't be much help to you, but what the heck.  Old joke: "Do you know how to do a disappearing act?  Stick your head up your ass and jump!"  So before you delete this comment, all I would like  to suggest is that NAR takes their head out of their ass and starts listening to the voice of us Realtors that are out here in the trenches.  If and when they can do that, then let's start with Lenn's 2 suggestions.  I'll trust you to present that in a more diplomatic way.   ;-)

BTW, thinking of you in a room full of NAR execs brings an old story to mind: Daniel in the lion's den.  Good luck, buddy!   :)

Hey man...  not to worry or be fearful!  You're there to speak the collective 'mind' of ~130K ActiveRainers, so you have nothing to fear, my friend.  Truth is, we're ALL your friends, and we're cheering for you!  The only way you can screw up is to not show up.  :)

As for them liking you, how can they possibly get to know you in 30 minutes or so?  Just deliver your message as passionately and expertly as if you were simply addressing a small group of us AR members.  They don't need to like you, Jonathan.  They just need to hear you.

We're behind you all the way!

AR vs MOVE - you will never be forgotten.

Jon, I know I'm repeating some comments. Require or lobby for tougher education requirements. Speak the truth and facts only please, leave the Corporate rhetoric at the office. Get out of the way of the true Real Estate Industry leaders. (I saw this as a tweet, but I can't remember who wrote it)

Thanks for doing this.

Let's start with some line by line transparency with some detailed reports on where the NAR is spending the $60 Million+ a year.

Stop making predictions with "Positive Spin".. (David Leareh confessions come to mind here.)

Become a "Trade Association" and not a "Sales Profession".

Sounds like a Good Start to start rebuilding a tarnished image from saying "it's always a good time to buy" to me. When you think about all of the jokes made about REALTORS -- it always seems to involve that statement....

Jonathan,

First of all Congratulations and may the "force" be with you!

1. Health Care for all Realtors
2. Lobbying to require banks to respond in a timely manner to Short Sales or NO BAILOUT $

Jonathan, what a can of worms you've opened!

It seems that the concensus here is that NAR might first need to prove its value to its members, thereby repairing the relationship with the backbone of this organization, the very ones whose dollars allow it to exist. NAR has failed in this.

For instance, in a year where REALTORS have taken a 30, 50 or 75% cut in salary, the NAR levied an assessment to replenish its coffers, thereby making us pay more when we are earning far less. While we out here are tightening our belts and learning to live on less, has NAR tightened its collective belt? Has NAR cut positions, or have any of the well-paid staff taken a pay cut? Why doesn't NAR seek to actually help its members, the ones in trouble (most of us), instead of spending more on programs that clearly aren't working? If I am unable to weather this financial storm, I won't be a member next year.

And in a time where consumer confidence is at an all-time low, the NAR has disseminated skewed --some say duplicitous -- information, is getting called on it publicly, thereby failing spectacularly in its number one goal, and therefore further damaging our credibility, and the fundamental reason for its existence.

While I don't yet count myself in these numbers, I see and hear a groundswell of disenfranchised, pissed-off members who are "mad as hell, and aren't going to take it anymore." Like the AR member above who said her entire board dropped out of NAR. Why wouldn't they, when being a REALTOR means nothing...to members, or consumers. We're a collective body who daily preaches and teaches value to our clients, and are now made to practice it in our own lives, daily. NAR, where's your value? In good times, lofty goals are supported. In bad times, we have to circle the wagons and try to ensure our survival.

Are you seeing the big picture? NAR is in trouble. It is now perceived as a conglomerate whose Number One Goal is its own sustenance and profitability, regardless of the flowery public pronouncements of its mission. In this day and age of online activism, grassroots efforts finding large support quickly, and a largely intelligent, pragmatic membership, what would you say is forthcoming?

Scary ideas. You, Jonathan, when you're up there speaking, be brave! Imagine them all naked, nervously covering their privates, while you're telling them like it is. Like it really is. ;-)

Jonathan, realtor.com charges EXTRA for enhanced listings and NAR has no health insurance on the horizon. What DO they do for us? Seems like a political organization more than anything else at NAR.

Speak for a nationwide MLS service. Speak for consolidated membership dues. Praise struggling homeowners and destroy predatory lending practices. All the best.

Jonathan - I agree with many of the comments above. 

1. Healthcare for members - seems to me that an organization with over 1 million members should have the necessary clout to attain group coverage.

2. Lobby to loosen credit markets - banks have overcompensated for bad loans by removing many of the feasible and worthy risks (self-employed are heavily punished, and that includes us!).  We all understood what risky loans were, but taking away many of the other options has trimmed the viable buyer pool considerably.  We need the money to flow from the banks!  I am not advocating a further bailout, but what is the plan for the giant one that was already approved?

3. Raise the bar in order to join this profession.  The current qualifications are a joke, even though they are more stringent than when I started 12 years ago.

Since I have never used Realtor.com at all, I can't speak to that, but it sounds like they need to dramatically reduce the cost to advertise there.  Sounds like double-dipping from the membership to me.  I doubt that ANY of us would belong to NAR if it were not required - same goes for local boards.  The sole reason that most people I know are members is to have access to the MLS. 

Consumers really don't understand the difference between real estate agent and "Realtor", nor has this ever been adequately presented to them.  I hear ads about this periodically, but I think most average consumers think of the two as synonymous. 

I like Kate's suggestion about sincerely educating the public about how we get paid in the first place.  This might provide some additional loyalty from those we are working with.  As a fringe discussion, I often wonder why we are one of the only professions to allow ourselves to work on a contingency basis ALL THE TIME. 

I've read some of the posts, and will comment on them as follows:

1) "I believe that NAR owes it to its membership to educate the public on the how we get paid." --

WRONG!  The NAR is NOT MY BUSINESS!  They have no business educating the public, or my clients, on how I get paid.  That's up to me.  It's up to me to explain my fees, and I -- as a LICENSED practioner -- can charge anyway I want.  I can charge a fee for service, a commission, an hourly rate.  It's MY business, and as long as I am working under RESPA, and disclosure, and my customers/clients know -- the NAR better NOT even attempt to educate the public on how "we" get paid.  Can we say racketeering boys and girls.  This agent, "Kate" does NOT speak for me, or my office, and in my (not so) humble opinion she really needs to get a clue on an "association" vs. a "cartel."

My 'business model' on my real estate office is not the same as another office.  Just like . . . hmmmmmm . . . Burger King sells hamburgers, and so does McDonalds . . . but they're NOT the same restaurant. 

My real estate office is NOT the same as any other "independently owned and operated" brokerage.  STOP TRYING TO LUMP ALL AGENTS/REALTOR(s)/BROKERAGES together.

2) Who is this YUTZ??  Ducan Logan??

1. How do we make buying a home as quick, safe and easy as buying a used car from a reputable dealer.

2. How do we reduce the transaction cost to less than 2% of the deal value and still offer a profitable career for our members.

3. How do we create instruments to allow investors and consumers to hedge against movements in the real estate market.

4. How do we create instruments to help renters become first time buyers in expensive districts.

5. How do we adopt technology to enhance liquidity in the market.

NAR is an ASSOCIATION -- it does NOT control the market, set fees, cartel commission structure.  What is Duncan smoking?   How dare he conspire to reduce a transaction fee to 2%?  He should be investigated for practicing real estate without a license.  

He writes "Our memebers" . . . he's not even a Realtor(r) . . . or is he talking about the Active Rain members, and then I would look at this as another racketeering attempt to conspire with price fixing on commissions.  He states in his AR blurb he is NOT a licensed real estate agent.  SHUT UP DUNCAN LOGAN!

Webeyez -- Oh, like he's going to set the market straight -- with his "web eyez"??   If he tries anything else, I will "see" this an an attempt to interfer with my business practice and it won't be well taken! 

How do we create instruments to help renters become first time buyers in expensive districts? he ponders.l

Again . . . what is he smoking?  I can't afford "expensive districts" either . . . I'm not a renter, but I can't afford a lot of the "expensive districts" that I sell in.  SO WHAT!  Is the NAR supposed to lobby congress for a give away to renters?

Here's a thought -- SAVE MONEY!  If you rent, talk to an EXPERIENCED Realtor(r), and mortgage broker on how you can become a home owner.  And if your BUDGET allows you to buy in an "expensive district" good for you!  If not, then look at the wonderful neighborhoods that you can afford!

How about lobbying that $10K in an individuals' IRA is upped to $25,000K withdrawn for home buying without penalties?

How about health care?  I pay $400 a month for coverage!  I know I could pay HALF that if my "trade" association would make this available to their members.

I also do NOT have:  Worker's Compensation, Unemployment Benefitis . . . in my state.  Although I am considered an "employee" of my company, I am NOT considered an "employee" when it comes to these benefits.

When the market slows . . . I have NOTHING to fall back on.  Only my savings.  I have nothing else.

70% of WOMEN who are forced into bankruptcy do so because of MEDICAL BILLS and unplanned health crisis.  Health care, and insurance is IMPERITIVE to women.  My association -- gee thanks -- offers NOTHING to help me or my business when things turn slow.  There are NO health benefits, no unemployment benefits, no worker's compensation . . . and some non-Realtor(r) (Duncan) wants to establish a 2% commission??  I LIVE OFF MY EARNINGS when the times are slow.  I LIVE OFF my savings!  I pay, and pay and pay -- dues, subscrptions, E&O insurance, my car insurance because I use it for business, RMLS fees, brokers fees, desk fees . . .

These fees and costs of running a business are NOT something I feel my association the NAR needs to tell the general public.  I can tell a customer and/or client if I choose to.  My clients want me as their agent because they know I am hard-working and their fiduciary.  Just as a CPA or other licensed entity. 

I don't need my association to RUN my business, but I do need them to make the running of it more affordable!

My suggestions:

1) Health care PLEASE! 

2) Disability insurance coverage PLEASE!

3) Educate the general public on DUAL AGENCY

4) Maranda Rights for unsuspecting buyers who call on FOR SALE signs and talk to the Seller's agent. "I am the SELLERS agent," might not be a bad way to start.

5) Education on "Customer" level service, and "Client" level service!

6) What happened to PMI -- mortgage insurance?  What happened to HUD homes?  What happened when banks get PMI on FHA AND government bail outs??

7) STOP bail outs! 

Jon - I think you need to plans.

Plan A.  I understand that they are powerless to address the health care issues. Insurors have always refused to recognize associations. It might help if the leadership at NAR advocated the formation of an adjunct group that could be insurable.

       It would help if NAR stopped advocating investment advice. We are sought after to assit in the timely sale of property or the purchase of property. Investment advice is outside our area of expertise.

      It would be very helpful if a standard for licensees could be set. There is nothing inherently ethical about telling the world you have a code of ethics. There is no substance.

      It seems to me that there may be some usefulness in developing a strategy that is in line with the reality we live and work in. 

     I guess it is a stretch, but the NAR should be advocating some method to buy off the negative equity that exists in some homes. TARP may make investors and lenders whole but the homeowner is still saddled with a negative equity situation.

     No one wants to see bad decisions rewarded but Congress has seen fit to spend trillions of dollars to bail out bad decisions. As much as I do not feel comfortable advocating buying out negative equity and rewarding stupidity and self centered behavior, it seems that doing so is in vogue. It should be apparent to most that truly comprehend the value of money that lower interest rates to 0% will not make over priced properties attractive. Rather that deal with the situation piece meal, the NAR needs to advocate a simple algorhythm that can be used to pay off current loans, waiving negative equity amounts and refinancing the balance at a market rate.

      If they don't listen, ask Lawrence Yun to describe the current market, get up and leave the room as he babbles on and go over to Capital Hill and find someone their that might listen.

Plan B.   Accept that the NAR is merely a vestige of the power elite that is out of touch with the people they pillage. They are becoming rich off the meager earnings of agents. They offer nothing of substance other than a lapel pin.

         Walk into the building and offer the receptionist a note advising everyone to leave the building by noon. At 12:01, arrange to have the building implode. Leave a cardboard sign.....Larry,we hardly knew you.

Jon,

Stop being nervous.  I have met you and heard you speak.  You are smart, tenacious and well-spoken.  You will do just fine.  I understand your nervousness, but I also have confidence that you will overcome it with brilliance.

Thesa: I agree with you; Here also to have access to MLS you have to belong to & Pay local, state & national dues. I had a customer who found a home on Zillow.com, FSBO, but didn't get a fair market price as the seller was using not only Zillow's average but also Realtor.com average and other websites that offer market values. I showed the seller a CMA from the MLS and they wouldn't accept it because it was Realtor based and saw Yun on TV who supposedly said prices were up. Go figure.

Dean: I also agree that a lot of the Realtor membership joined to have access to the MLS. Some of them I have met over the years both before I joined and after was adhering to the COE as long as there was no conflict & brought in a commission; otherwise- no response to email or voice mail and issues continued all the way to closing, not deed recording, and the day after. It seems to me that COE is only good up to the lawyers table and non existent afterwords ("I don't know" or "Not my problem" is the common saying). I have handle my sellers & buyers questions/concerns/worries weeks or months after the commission check is in the bank. This to me is ethics & not the way NAR preaches it and pratices it.

Jon: GOOD LUCK! just hang in there and speak for us against the NAR bureaucrats.

1.Eradicate MLS Boards and Board of Realtors who think WE work for THEM.... More affordable fees. There is no reason I have to pay almost $2000/year for these "benefits" to keep an organization alive who will throw me under the bus to save their face.

2. Homeowner relief from mortgage debt.

3. Reasonably priced Health Insurance for Realtors.

4. Stricter regulations and education to obtain Real Estate licenses.