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Texas lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is more than just a dispute over membership rules - it's an attempt to force NAR's hand and drive change within the industry. "The louder we roar, the more likely we are to actually make them change," says Lou Eytalis, one of several real estate professionals suing NAR over its mandatory membership policies.

    Eytalis, a broker in Wichita Falls, Texas, is concerned that NAR has become too focused on policing members and enforcing rules, rather than pushing for meaningful change. She believes the association's emphasis on compliance has led to an "overreach of their power" and hopes her lawsuit will help bring about reform.

    The lawsuits, which are also pending in Michigan and Pennsylvania, allege that NAR's forced membership policies harm real estate professionals by requiring them to join local and state associations - as well as the national association - in order to access multiple listing services. The plaintiffs argue that this system is unfair and stifles innovation within the industry.

    Eytalis' concerns about NAR are not limited to its rules and regulations. She also believes that the association's leadership and culture have become toxic, leading to a decline in morale among members. "It's just become this institution that we cannot abide anymore," she said. "It's not there for our benefit."

    The lawsuits are not just about money; they're about pushing NAR to provide more value to its members and adapt to the changing needs of the industry. Eytalis believes that if agents can choose whether to join NAR, the association will be forced to innovate and improve its services - or risk losing market share.

    NAR has responded to the lawsuits by arguing that local organizations dictate rules about MLS access, but this claim is disputed by some in the industry. The association's recent move to appoint a new executive to focus on industry relations may be an attempt to address concerns and increase outreach at the local level.

    Eytalis has also launched her own PR campaign, creating a private Facebook page and GoFundMe account to raise awareness about the issues facing the real estate industry. She hopes that by speaking out, she can help drive change within NAR and create a more equitable system for all members.