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s the real estate industry continues to evolve, REALTORS® are recognizing the value of their membership more than ever. The National Association of REALTORS' (NAR) advocacy efforts were on full display this week as over 7,500 members converged on Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and push for their priorities.

    The NAR's strength was evident in its June meeting, where Treasurer Craig Sanford reported that membership remains ahead of forecast, with a total of 1,453,690 members as of May 31 – exceeding the projected 1.4 million for 2025.

    The real estate industry experiences natural fluctuations in membership, with around 15% of NAR's members joining or leaving each year. However, the current market conditions have led to historically low home sales and interest rates, prompting concerns about membership declines. Despite this, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun notes that the association's resilience is a testament to its members' adaptability and understanding of the industry's ups and downs.

    The value of NAR membership shines through in times like these, providing a strong national voice for REALTORS' interests. Under CEO Nykia Wright's leadership, NAR is working to support its members in every aspect of their careers, from advocacy to professional development.