NAR Challenges Phoenix Realtors’ MLS Choice Program Amidst Membership Dispute

NAR escalates its battle with Phoenix Realtors over the MLS Choice program, threatening to revoke its charter for violating membership rules.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is ramping up its conflict with the Phoenix Association of Realtors (PAR) as tensions rise over PAR’s MLS Choice program.

NAR has recently communicated to its members and leadership that it plans to start the process of revoking PAR’s charter.

This bold move comes on the heels of PAR’s firm stance to continue its MLS Choice membership program.

This initiative allows real estate professionals to join PAR and gain access to the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) without the obligation to affiliate with the Arizona Association of Realtors or NAR itself.

According to the information shared on PAR’s website, its members can still provide agents with access to the MLS, legal documents, and numerous other benefits while stepping outside the traditional three-tiered membership model.

Just last week, NAR dispatched a cease-and-desist letter to PAR, urging them to terminate the MLS Choice program immediately.

NAR’s rationale centers on the necessity to protect the integrity of the Realtor trademark.

In elaborating on the decision to pursue charter revocation, an NAR spokesperson emphasized that local and state associations must avoid practices that clash with NAR’s established bylaws and Constitution.

They asserted that PAR’s offering of a non-Realtor membership alternative constitutes a direct violation of these governing documents.

The spokesperson also articulated that failing to act could put at risk crucial benefits for NAR members, such as access to market analysis, essential business tools, a unified advocacy platform, and conformity to a shared Code of Ethics.

The next step involves inviting PAR to a dialogue with a panel from NAR’s Executive Committee.

Should PAR persist in overlooking NAR’s policies, this would lead to a more formal hearing with a broader segment of the Executive Committee.

Facing this challenge, Andrea Aker, PAR’s CEO and President, voiced her disapproval of NAR’s actions.

She contended that NAR’s stance undermines the real estate industry as a whole.

Aker pointed out that PAR has been transparent about the MLS Choice program, which serves as a flexible, non-membership pathway.

This approach empowers real estate professionals to assess their individual needs regarding essential programs and services, fostering an environment that would actually benefit from such flexibility, as opposed to clinging to a one-size-fits-all model.

Aker strongly believes that PAR is committed to evolving with the changing dynamics of the real estate landscape.

In contrast, she feels NAR lacks the same dedication and is, in essence, stifling innovation in the industry.

She reaffirmed PAR’s commitment to championing the significance of alternative membership options like the MLS Choice program, underscoring their ongoing support for the professionals they serve.

Source: Housingwire