National Association of Realtors® Announces Staffing Changes as Part of Organizational Revamp

“NAR is also reducing expenses in some areas and reallocating budget dollars toward its Advocacy, Research, Data and Education functions that will provide members access to more useful and critical resources. This step in the organizational reshaping includes a staffing makeover that will impact 41 positions and eliminate 20 open roles that were redundant or that could be integrated elsewhere in the organization, for a total of 61 positions affected. The impacted departments include Creative and Content Strategy, Digital Strategy, Public Relations and Communications, Meetings and Events, Member Development, Human Resources, Member Engagement, Member Experience, Research, Finance and IT. “

Let Nykia cook.

NAR Introduces New Flexibility for Sellers While Retaining Clear Cooperation Policy

“The Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy statement was developed following many months of analysis and consultation with MLS and association leaders; brokerages of all sizes; agents; multicultural organizations; and fair housing, policy, technology and legal experts. It introduces a category of exempt listings called “delayed marketing exempt listings.”

The new policy goes into effect immediately, but MLSs have until Sept. 30 to implement the change.”

I’ve often said I look at many things through the lens of a software developer. In software, the best approach is to release your product, gather feedback, iterate, and repeat. The current CCP has been around since 2019—this iteration is long overdue.

I still stand by my belief that these exclusive listing strategies are bad for consumers. The latest study by Zillow, Privately Listed Homes Disproportionately Harm Sellers of Color, is pretty eye-opening. In that report, Zillow states:

“Home sellers who did not list their properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — a database that allows listings to be openly marketed to all home buyers and agents — lost out on more than $1 billion collectively over the past two years. The harm to home sellers is greater in communities of color. “

Yikes.

Mr. Reffkin and others who proclaim “sellers’ rights” remind me of agents who have only ever worked in a seller’s market. They’ve never seen a buyer’s market. The GFC and the pandemic may have lengthened this cycle, but those of us who’ve been around a while know—the worm is gonna turn. And when it does, they’ll all come running home to mama.

Chauffeured Cars and Broadway Tickets: Inside the National Realtors Group

“The group’s president, president-elect and first vice president are elected by members and receive annual six-figure payments, tax records show. N.A.R. refers to officers as “volunteers.” They have been given corporate credit cards, and on work trips, they have racked up charges from expensive dinners, golf outings, spa treatments and sports tickets, The Times found.”

I don’t know who pissed off the New York Times but they are not leaving NAR alone anytime soon. Seems like every other month they find another angle to wound or embarrass the organization and its leadership. This article (and others) may or may not have some valid points but this whole campaign feels a bit like…well… a campaign. I’m not one to be too much of a conspiracy theorist, but this is has a “Blue Horseshoe loves Anacott Steel” sort of vibe.