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fter a year of listening to the largest brokerage firms, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) signals it is ready to act together in 2026. President Kevin Sears told the Broker Engagement Committee at the fall conference that the volume of dialogue with the brokerage community was unprecedented, and that the organization will now implement the specific changes identified. He added that a new level of accountability will accompany these actions.

    NAR’s three‑year strategy, still being finalized at the time of the meeting, focuses on modernizing the association, enhancing member value, and adapting to shifting market conditions. Dawn Ruffini, chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, highlighted that improvements will target training, communication, and the broker‑centric website.

    Sherry Chris, a seasoned brokerage consultant who joined NAR in January 2025, expects 2026 to bring a wave of announcements as the association resumes business after gathering feedback. She noted that brokerages, while dissatisfied with past events, are eager to contribute to future solutions. “They want to be part of the fix,” Chris said during a committee break.

    Despite lingering tensions from commission lawsuits—particularly the large firms excluded from NAR’s $418 million settlement, which led to a class‑action fund exceeding $1 billion for affected home sellers—brokerages remain engaged. Chris remains optimistic that shared goals, especially consumer protection, will align interests and enable collective progress.