T
he National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has joined the Pew Charitable Trust’s “Principles for Enhancing Housing Availability and Affordability,” a coalition backed by more than 50 pro‑housing groups. These principles aim to expand housing options, cut regulatory hurdles, encourage development in high‑use areas, and streamline permitting.

    NAR’s Vice President of Policy Advocacy, Bryan Greene, notes that the organization’s nationwide reach gives it a unique capacity to push these policies at every government level. “With members in every ZIP code, we can help advance these principles across the country,” Greene says.

    The four core recommendations are:

    1. **Broaden housing types** – Encourage the construction of smaller, more affordable units by allowing a wider range of housing forms in municipalities that have successfully lowered costs.

    2. **Reduce administrative barriers** – Simplify permitting and eliminate rigid mandates that slow construction, such as excessive setbacks, height limits, or parking minimums.

    3. **Promote high‑use area growth** – Build condominiums, townhouses, and other dense housing near transit hubs and business districts, aligning with NAR’s Smart Growth program.

    4. **Cut regulatory burdens** – Remove unnecessary restrictions that impede the supply of new homes.

    Pew’s research organization seeks common ground to tackle evolving housing challenges, and NAR’s endorsement follows its recent participation in America’s Housing Comeback, an initiative led by the National League of Cities to foster federal, state, and local collaboration on affordability.

    By supporting these principles, NAR reaffirms its commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing nationwide while leveraging its extensive network to influence policy at all levels.