NAR is stepping up its fight against Phoenix Realtors
The National Association of Real Estate Agents (NAR) has gone one step further in its fight against Phoenix real estate agents (PAR) through the local trade group’s MLS Choice program. On Monday, NAR notified its leadership and members that it had made the decision to initiate the charter revocation process against PAR.
This came after PAR informed NAR that it would not be rescinding or terminating the MLS Choice membership program.
Through the MLS Choice membership optionreal estate licensees can join PAR and gain access to the local MLS without joining the Arizona Association of Realtors or NAR.
Through MLS Choice, brokers who are PAR members can “offer their agents the opportunity to access both the MLS and legal forms, along with several existing benefits, outside of the traditional three-tier membership system,” according to PAR’s website.
Last week, NAR sent a cease and desist order to PAR requesting it to terminate the program. NAR told HousingWire at the time that its actions were necessary to “support and defend Realtor’s trademark.”
NAR did not return a request for comment on its decision to initiate the revocation process.
In an emailed statement, Andrea Aker, CEO and president of PAR, called NAR’s decision “a disservice to the industry.”
“We have been transparent from the beginning that the MLS Choice plan is a scaled-down non-membership option for real estate professionals to consider. It allows them to ask the question, “What level of programs and services do I actually need to be successful?” And everyone who serves real estate professionals must get behind that: creating the ideal environment for success,” Aker wrote. “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach will not help this industry move forward, something that needs to happen urgently.”
Aker said PAR is committed to brokers and evolving with the changing industry, but she doesn’t feel like NAR shares the same belief.
“NAR is clearly committed to hindering innovation,” she wrote.
“We are prepared to continue to champion the need for subscription options like MLS Choice, and we stand behind all the professionals we serve,” Aker added.
