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recent survey by T3 Sixty found that over 70% of real estate association and MLS executives are budgeting for membership declines in 2025 due to external and internal factors, including economic pressures and dissatisfaction with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The survey of over 200 executives revealed a trend of agents opting out of NAR membership, with some brokerages allowing their agents to leave the association. A quarter of respondents are considering offering MLS access to non-Realtors, which could lead to a showdown with NAR.

    Most execs don't expect huge membership losses, with 65% anticipating declines in the 1-10% range and around 7% expecting gains in 2025. However, leaders are hedging their bets, budgeting for losses as high as 25%. The survey comments suggested a vibe of concern about membership, but not panic.

    Dissatisfaction with NAR has led to pushback against mandatory membership policies, with several lawsuits challenging the three-way agreement that requires agents to join local, state, and national associations. Some leaders are considering more flexible options for their members, who are increasingly asking if they can be part of the local association but not NAR.

    The survey found that 26% of respondents are considering or are in the process of opening MLS access to non-Realtors, which could become a contentious issue in the coming year. A recent dispute between NAR and Phoenix Realtors over the local association's "MLS Choice" offering suggests that the issue of who can access MLS data will be a major point of contention.

    Executives at the local level are feeling more urgency around brokerage and agent feedback against NAR, with some leaders questioning whether the national association understands the intensity of the issue. The survey results suggest that NAR should be concerned about the growing dissatisfaction among locals, who collect dues and feel the impact of policy changes.