Kevin Sears looks back as he discusses NAR’s 2025 vision

After a monumental year of change, the National Association of Real Estate Agents (NAR) looks to the past to find inspiration for the future.

Kevin Sears took the NAR NXT main stage at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Friday morning with a large iced coffee from Dunkin’ in hand. The NAR president and a Massachusetts resident then took NAR members on a walk down memory lane to explain the trade group’s priorities for 2025.

“In case you didn’t know, it’s been a whole year,” Sears said. “We have experienced some leadership changes, some legal challenges and one of, if not the biggest, industry shifts of our lifetime. And while there are still many challenges ahead, we still have a lot of work to do.”

While 2024 was certainly full of challenges, Sears said it also provided plenty of opportunities for the trade association and its members to demonstrate leadership. But to successfully capitalize on these opportunities and best prioritize the trade group’s goals, Sears believes members must understand the history of organized real estate.

Real estate entities and professionals were first organized in 1891 through the creation of the National Real Estate Associationwhich was founded with the goal of making homeownership “simpler and safer for consumers,” Sears said.

“From day one, we have tried to protect consumers,” he added.

The entity that would eventually become NAR began in 1907, when a group of seven local real estate boards in the Midwest met to discuss common issues. The following year, the group decided to invite the other 38 well-known local real estate boards, which formed what is now NAR.

“Our roots are in two things: protecting consumers and working together to protect those consumers, and I think it sounds like we’re staying true to who we are,” Sears said. “So when I look at 2025 and where we want to go, we have to stick to the basics. Let’s protect the consumer; let’s work together.”

Sears cited the trade group’s efforts to advocate for changes in VA loan procedures. Those who use mortgages from the The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can still take advantage of their loan benefits when working with a buyer’s agent, regardless of how their agent is compensated. This is an example of how NAR works to protect consumers, Sears said.

“We protect consumers when we inform decision makers about inventory issues. We actively support legislation that reduces the tax impact on long-term owners selling their homes,” he said. “And we protect consumers when we provide data and perspective on legislation that encourages the conversion of commercial space to affordable housing.”

It’s this message of consumer protection that Sears and its leadership team have tried to convey in their conversations with the Ministry of Justice (DOJ).

“We are working diligently with them to explore any form of commonality,” Sears said. “That is their question to us, but that is also our question to them. This is something we strive for and work towards.”

While Sears said other NAR leaders are hopeful they can work with the DOJ to resolve their issues, he acknowledges that peace cannot be achieved overnight.

“Please understand that this is a slow process and your patience is appreciated,” Sears said. “After all, we are most effective when we work together to improve our sector.”

In this spirit, Sears said it is imperative for NAR members to continue supporting their state and local real estate agent associations. These organizations allow brokers to collaborate and better understand and serve the unique needs of consumers, he said.

Looking at the challenges ahead in 2025, Sears said it is important that brokers and brokerage organizations continue to work together. NAR will face some financial hardships if the kickback settlement agreement is finally approved at the end of this month.

“If the settlement is approved, the first payment would be due nine days later,” Sears said. “So, what exactly does that mean? It means NAR will be leaner by 2025. It’s going to get even nastier. We will be leaner in the way we work. We have examined the budget for expenses that do not directly contribute to member value. But we will still be a trusted partner in delivering the value real estate agents need to thrive in their business, while being the leading voice driving the real estate industry forward.

“Everything we do should focus on the question: how do we help our members become more successful?”