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recent survey conducted by real estate consulting firm T3 Sixty reveals a significant divide among major industry players regarding the performance of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in its commissions lawsuit settlement era. The survey found that Realtor association leaders have a more favorable view of NAR's performance compared to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) leaders.

    The survey showed that NAR earned an overall approval rating of 62% in its performance, with associations contributing to the positive rating at 75.9% compared to just 34.8% for MLSs. The report highlighted that many respondents expressed mixed opinions about NAR's leadership, with some supporting them under challenging circumstances while others criticized them for being ineffective or overly focused on internal politics.

    This was the third such survey conducted by T3 Sixty since the settlement announcement in March, with over 200 respondents participating. Interestingly, the assessment of NAR's performance has become more positive over time, with the national association's overall approval rating in the first post-settlement survey standing at just 56.4%. The report emphasized the need for NAR to modernize its approach and focus on remaining relevant in an evolving industry, particularly by addressing the concerns of its members and ensuring stronger leadership moving forward.

    The divide between MLSs and associations extends to other areas as well, including the handling of the settlement, settlement-related communications, and messaging. In terms of NAR's handling of the settlement, associations gave a higher approval rating of 74.1% compared to 34.8% from MLSs. The report found that executives were divided on NAR's handling of the lawsuit, with some praising the organization for making the best decision available while others felt that NAR settled too soon, leaving members vulnerable.

    Communication related to the settlement received an overall approval rating of 69%, with associations at 84.5% positive versus 34.8% for MLSs. The report noted that while NAR's communication was frequent, it often lacked practical application.

    Other key takeaways from the survey include buyer-broker agreements topping the list of concerns, followed by MLS feed quality and improper sharing of commission information. Most MLSs (65%) found the practice changes mandated by the NAR settlement to be somewhat difficult, while another 15.6% found them difficult or very difficult. Despite this, 56% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their tech vendors.

    Most associations (60%) and MLSs (55.1%) reported not being involved in the creation of new forms and contracts to support post-settlement practice changes. However, local associations and MLSs often defer to state associations on these matters, according to the report. The report highlighted that smaller MLSs and associations found it challenging to enforce new rules while handling regular operations due to limited staff and resources.