T
he Pro‑Agent Restore Trust in NAR Working Group, a coalition of 15 top brokerage CEOs representing roughly 100,000 agents, is demanding substantive reforms in the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) financial practices, governance structure, and policy framework. The group, formed in April 2025 after NAR’s $500‑million settlement over commission‑related antitrust claims, met with NAR leadership several times—via Zoom and in person—and delivered a detailed letter to CEO Nykia Wright outlining questions, demands, and recommended actions.
Key concerns raised by the group include:
* **Legal exposure of NAR policies** – The three‑way agreement that obligates members to join local, state, and national Realtor associations is seen as a potential liability.
* **Transparency deficits** – The group calls for clearer disclosure of NAR’s restructuring plans and financial interests, notably in Second Century Ventures and its subsidiary.
* **Governance gaps** – The lack of independent oversight within NAR’s board is highlighted as a risk to member trust.
* **Financial stewardship** – NAR’s “bloated” balance sheet is viewed as a lawsuit target, and the group demands a review of its financial systems.
* **Policy inadequacies** – The Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), which requires listing brokers to submit listings to Realtor‑affiliated MLSs within one business day of public marketing, is deemed insufficient.
United Real Estate’s CEO Dan Duffy, the group’s spokesperson, emphasized that the coalition’s anonymity is intentional, aiming to keep the focus on issues rather than personalities. “Our priority is to remake NAR so it better serves its members and improves the return on member dues,” Duffy said.
NAR’s response, released three months after the letter, was brief. A spokesperson described the conversations as “productive” and noted that NAR is “on a feedback mission.” The association highlighted its new member‑success‑focused value proposition, the forthcoming 2026‑2028 strategic plan, and the 2025 annual report. The strategic plan will address financial system overhaul, legal risk management, legacy network modernization, consumer marketing, and onboarding improvements, aiming to provide clear direction and measurable impact for members, the industry, and consumers.
Despite NAR’s willingness to engage, the group’s detailed demands were not publicly shared by the association. United Real Estate declined to release NAR’s responses, citing the association’s responsibility to speak for itself. The group’s next meeting with NAR leadership is scheduled for October 13, where they expect to discuss the concerns and collaborate on repositioning NAR for the future.
Part two of this exclusive series will delve into the specific questions, policy demands, and proposed next steps outlined by the Pro‑Agent Restore Trust in NAR Working Group.
