In April, the National Association of REALTORS® unveiled new changes to its committee application process for 2027 committee service, designed to get the right people in the right roles.
And while the process has gotten more deliberate and thorough, early numbers suggest that hasn’t deterred applicants.
As of June 10, 1,127 NAR members submitted 2,248 applications for one of the 900 open positions. That's slightly down from the number of candidates this time last year who submitted fewer applications, but in line with expectations given the higher bar and intention to ensure the right candidates are applying for the right roles.
Additionally, there’s also been a strong number of endorsements (letters of recommendation) submitted on behalf of applicants—2,456 from 1,175 endorsers.
The application deadline is Wednesday, June 24, about a week after the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. Historically, the conference drives a final surge, representing about 80% of applicants, NAR Director of National Governance Programs Dylan Swisher explains.
“We’re extremely pleased to see such strong interest in serving on NAR committees, especially in the first year of a new application process,” Swisher said. “The turnout tells us members understand the value of these roles and are eager to contribute their expertise, and we expect to see even more qualified applicants as the deadline approaches.”
Starting this year, all applicants, including returning applicants, must fill out a new expertise profile; endorsers were asked to emphasize experience over personal relationships; and the application questions are designed to elicit more thoughtful responses that highlight experience.
“We’re already seeing responses that reflect what we hoped this new process would encourage: more thoughtful, robust answers that help us better understand applicants’ experience and where they fit in our association,” Swisher says.
Swisher says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, association executives have asked her team for best practices so they can implement similar governance changes at the state and local level.
The new application process is one example of how NAR is fulfilling its Strategic Plan commitment to modernize the association. As the process continues to evolve, NAR expects these changes will help build an even stronger association in the years to come.
Interested in being part of the changes? Apply for an NAR committee in 2027 here.
