L
eaders of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have been using corporate credit cards to splurge on luxuries like Broadway tickets and first-class travel, while former executives continue to receive paychecks long after they've left their posts. According to a New York Times investigation, NAR's "free-spending culture" includes six-figure payments for current and former volunteer leaders.

    The president, president-elect, and first vice president of NAR are considered volunteer leaders but receive substantial compensation, with some earning over $1 million per year. They've been given corporate credit cards to cover expenses on work trips, which have included expensive dinners, golf outings, spa treatments, and sports tickets.

    NAR's spokesman Mantill Williams defended the payments as "administrative stipends" meant to compensate leaders for lost income due to their volunteer work. However, critics argue that these perks are excessive and not disclosed to NAR members.

    Former CEO Bob Goldberg received $2.6 million in compensation during his tenure, including benefits like dog care when he traveled from Maryland to Chicago. Other former leaders have continued to receive payment from NAR after leaving their positions, with one earning $250,000 per year as a "former officer/consultant" since 2019.

    Industry expert Jay Thompson called the situation "the optics couldn't be worse," suggesting that many Realtors will question what they're paying for when they see these lavish spending habits.