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NAR President Ends Turbulent Tenure, Prioritizing Consumers

Kevin Sears, after nearly two years, urges community reliance and mandates members to hold leaders accountable.

K
evin Sears, who has served as NAR President for almost two years, closed his tenure at NAR NXT 2025 in Houston with a heartfelt address that blended humor, gratitude, and a clear call to action. He reminded attendees that the organization’s strength lies in its commitment to consumers and the communities that rely on homeownership. “We are pro‑consumer,” he said, noting that 70 % of NAR members volunteer and that their clients are also their neighbors.

    Sears emphasized that Realtors’ role extends beyond buying and selling; it involves active participation in local life. He shared that, no matter where in the country a Realtor works, the central question remains the same: how to best serve clients and explain market changes in a way that resonates with them.

    The president also reflected on the challenges of his term, which began amid leadership departures and accusations of a toxic culture. “You needed to trust us,” he acknowledged, and he answered by being present. In 2025 alone, Sears spent 258 days on the road, 217 nights traveling, covering 162,000 miles—equivalent to six and a half times around the world. He visited 47 states, stayed in 64 hotels, and met with roughly 37,700 members, reinforcing the message that the profession is resilient.

    As he prepares to step down—“in three days, two hours, 47 minutes,” he joked—Sears urged members to take ownership of the future. The Executive Committee will soon vote on a new three‑year strategic plan, and he challenged the membership to ensure its implementation. “Hold our leaders accountable,” he concluded, leaving the audience with a clear mandate to shape the next chapter of NAR.

NAR President announces resignation after turbulent tenure, prioritizing consumers in Washington.