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Resurgence in NAR's Reputation: Are Agents Starting to Trust Again?

Update The Challenge of Rebuilding TrustAs the real estate industry navigates through tumultuous waters, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has found itself in a delicate position. Once considered a beacon for real estate professionals, recent changes around buyer’s agent compensation rules prompted many agents to question NAR’s role and efficacy. In a survey conducted by Intel, a stark 38% of agents viewed NAR negatively just a year ago. Yet, as the sands of public opinion shift, a glimmer of hope can be observed with a growing number of agents beginning to see NAR as a positive force once again.A Year of ReckoningThe past twelve months have served as both a crisis and an opportunity for NAR. The organization’s leadership recognized early on that rebuilding trust was crucial to restoring its reputation. Following the fallout from the settlement terms regarding buyer commission rates, in August 2024, NAR found itself facing a severe dip in member sentiment. Only 17% of agents responded positively to its influence at that time.However, growth began to emerge from this low point. By July 2025, that number had risen to 31%—a transition that highlights a slow but significant rehabilitation of its image within the real estate community. The increasing awareness among agents that commission rates were not as adversely affected as initially feared likely contributed to this gradual shift in sentiment. Agents began realizing that the adjustments were manageable, allowing them to reconsider their perspectives on the organization.Significant Steps Towards ImprovementNAR’s commitment to regaining ground has involved proactive measures designed to strengthen its relationships with brokerages and local associations. Bringing in new advisers to liaise with core constituencies demonstrates an earnest effort to communicate better and offer tangible value to its members. By emphasizing the benefits of membership, NAR is working to remind agents why they joined in the first place.But this task is not solely about damage control—it's about fostering a renewed sense of community among real estate professionals. As uncertainty loomed, NAR presented a staunch front to advocate for its members' needs, cherishing the bonded experiences that come from shared challenges. Highlighting grassroots efforts and restoring the belief that NAR champions agents in their daily pursuits remains vital for the organization.The Unknowns AheadA significant 40% of agents admitted to being uncertain about NAR’s overall impact on the industry—a statistic that underscores the need for continued engagement and transparency. As the industry evolves, agents are left to ponder not only the influence of regulations but also the direction their careers might take. Some are even contemplating leaving real estate entirely, questioning whether their current path aligns with the future they envision.Despite the hurdles, NAR’s gradual upswing in member approval reflects its enduring commitment to resurrecting trust. The journey is far from over, and the road ahead may still be fraught with challenges. However, as NAR continues its outreach and strengthens relationships, there’s a sense of optimism that real estate professionals can uphold a rejuvenated spirit of camaraderie.