T
he National Association of Realtors (NAR) faces growing scrutiny over its three-way agreement, which requires local association members to also join their state and national associations. In response, the Phoenix Realtors has introduced a new program called MLS Choice, offering brokers access to essential real estate tools and forms at half the price of traditional membership.

    MLS Choice is designed for brokers who want to maintain control over their business operations without committing to full NAR membership. For $249 annually, participants will gain access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and legal forms, but they won't be able to call themselves "Realtors" or enjoy state and national association benefits.

    Phoenix Realtors CEO Andy Fegley sees MLS Choice as a modernization effort that gives brokers more flexibility in how they run their business. The program has been well-received by local brokers, who view it as a welcome option for their agents. Fegley emphasized the importance of choice, citing the growing desire among real estate professionals for greater flexibility and control over their membership dollars.

    The introduction of MLS Choice comes on the heels of criticism from some states, including Michigan and Alabama, which have challenged NAR's mandatory membership rule. The program represents a significant cost savings for brokers, with annual fees less than half those of traditional membership. In a tough housing market, every dollar matters, and Skutchan notes that Phoenix Realtors is giving people greater choice in what had previously been an antitrust environment.

    Phoenix Realtors' move to offer MLS Choice reflects its desire to evolve with the changing real estate landscape and provide brokers with more options for managing their business. The program's success will be closely watched by other associations, which may see it as a model for offering similar levels of choice to agents and brokers.