The term NAR stands for the National Association of REALTORS®. As the largest U.S. real estate trade group, NAR sets industry standards, enforces a strict Code of Ethics and drives policy on behalf of over 1.5 million members.
Members include brokers, agents, appraisers and property managers. Annual dues vary by local board and state association but typically range from $150 to $230, plus national fees of about $150.
Major antitrust lawsuits and settlement talks over commission practices have put NAR under scrutiny. Policy changes aim to increase transparency in agent compensation and MLS rules.
The National Association of REALTORS® is a U.S. trade association representing licensed real estate professionals. Founded in 1908, its mission is to promote homeownership, protect private property rights and uphold high standards through advocacy, education and a stringent professional Code of Ethics.
NAR boasts over 1.5 million members across 1,200 local associations and 54 state and territory associations. Its governance structure includes a Board of Directors, local boards and the National Association at the helm. The term REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark owned by NAR.
Established in 1908 as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, NAR introduced its first Code of Ethics in 1913. Early efforts centered on professionalizing real estate and standardizing brokerage practices.
By 1972, the group officially adopted the National Association of REALTORS® name. Over the decades, NAR expanded its scope to include appraisers, counselors and property managers, while launching advocacy efforts at federal and state levels.
Any licensed real estate broker, salesperson, appraiser or property manager may apply through their local REALTOR® association. Applicants must agree to abide by NAR’s Code of Ethics and complete any required orientation.
Members pay national dues (approximately $150), state dues (varying by region) and local board dues (typically $100–$200). Some boards levy additional MLS and technology fees.
NAR membership generally includes access to local MLS systems, enabling brokers and agents to list properties, share offers and cooperate on transactions under standardized rules.
NAR’s Code of Ethics, first adopted in 1913, outlines duties to clients, the public and fellow REALTORS®. Enforcement mechanisms ensure accountability and reinforce trust in the profession.
Through MLS policy, NAR fosters cooperation between listing and buyer’s agents, standardizes data sharing and establishes rules like the Mandatory Offer of Compensation that shape commission structures.
NAR’s government affairs team lobbies Congress, state legislatures and local councils on issues such as tax policies, credit standards, fair housing and private property rights, influencing legislation that impacts members and consumers.
Monthly Existing-Home Sales reports provide national and regional data on home sales volume, prices and days on market, guiding industry professionals and economists.
The REALTORS® Confidence Index surveys members on market conditions, buyer and seller traffic and pricing trends, serving as a leading sentiment indicator.
NAR publishes in-depth research on topics like first-time buyers, housing affordability, green building and technology adoption, offering downloadable reports and interactive tools.
Local and state boards handle day-to-day member services, MLS administration and regional advocacy, while NAR sets national policy, branding and broad legislative priorities.
Organizations like the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) focus on specific communities or policy goals. NAR’s scale and scope encompass the entire U.S. real estate industry.
All REALTORS® are licensed real estate agents or brokers who join NAR and adhere to its Code of Ethics. Not all agents are REALTORS®.
NAR stands for the National Association of REALTORS®.
No, membership is voluntary, but joining grants access to the MLS, NAR publications, education and local board resources.
NAR’s MLS policies and the Mandatory Offer of Compensation have historically shaped commission norms, but recent legal challenges are prompting changes toward greater transparency.
The Code of Ethics is a set of professional standards that members must follow, covering duties to clients, the public and other REALTORS®.
NAR has faced class-action lawsuits alleging anticompetitive commission practices. High-profile settlements and court rulings are driving reforms in how buyer’s agent commissions are disclosed and negotiated.
New MLS rules and state regulations aim to increase consumer choice in agent compensation, require clearer fee disclosures and introduce alternative listing options.
NAR shapes U.S. real estate through its Code of Ethics, MLS policies, advocacy and data products. Membership offers access to education, networking and tools that boost professionalism. For consumers, NAR’s standards help ensure ethical transactions and informed policy decisions.
