At the National Association of REALTORS®' Leadership Summit, in true partnership fashion, leaders from all three strata of the organization—local, state and national—answered questions onstage side by side to explore the present considerations and future vision around MLS data, education and professionalism.
"We really want to make sure that the strength of the three-way agreement is as strong as ever," NAR CEO Nykia Wright said Monday to the crowd of about 1,400 association executives, incoming association presidents and representatives from MLSs and NAR's Institutes, Societies and Counsels in Chicago.
Here are three takeaways from their town hall.
1. Complementary Value Propositions
Shelley Specchio, CEO of MIBOR REALTOR® in Indianapolis, spoke about how associations can provide value to members that is unique from the benefit of access to an MLS. While MLSs provide an infrastructure that supports cooperation, competition and transparency, associations have the muscle and reputation to harness that data into action and advocacy.
"If the data shows that we have a problem with affordable housing, then the REALTOR® association can step in and convene the groups, bring the people together to make sure that we're building more affordable housing, for example," Specchio said. "I think it's really important that the two organizations stand proud in their own value propositions because at the end of the day, it's that perfect marriage of the two sides of the organization that make it all work: insight and influence."
There was also discussion about how associations can best support MLSs. Michelle Bailey, 2026 president of Idaho Association of REALTORS® and NAR's liaison for MLS data and management, touted NAR's MLS resources while Specchio recalled a recent state-wide gathering of MLSs the Indiana state association convened.
"We've managed to put in a nice three-way data share between the three largest MLSs in the states; but, more than that, we learned through the work that the state association had done in surveying our brokers, really where their pain points were falling," she said.
2. Education Leans on Local Partnerships
Wright was quick to shut down rumors that NAR's overhauled educational suite is intended to compete with local and state association training. Quite the opposite, NAR is modernizing the courses of its existing credentials and then hoping to partner with local and state associations.
"What we hope to do is continue to use that flywheel effect of the authoritative assets that we have across the country [and share that] … with you all," Wright said. "For example, something interesting comes right out of Washington, D.C., how do we quickly spin up a course? How do we work with the [local and state] education directors around the country?"
NAR Senior Vice President of Industry Relations Jarrod Grasso drove the point home: "We're here to partner with you."
Wright previewed some upcoming milestones for its Center for REALTOR® Development including the launch of its new education platform powered by Docebo, which she called the "Ferrari" of learning management systems, on Dec. 1.
3. Lead By Example
The final discussion about professionalism centered on accountability and NAR's Code of Ethics, considered the gold standard that differentiates REALTORS® from licensed agents and brokers.
"People are going to watch you," NAR 2027 President Christine Hansen said. "How is it that you react to things? Do you hold yourself accountable?"
Laura Crowther, CEO of Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®, agreed.
"It's incumbent upon us to hold our peers accountable and to make sure that they are honoring and expecting professionalism from our peers...Professionalism means something different to everyone, but I think it's important that we walk the walk and that we show our colleagues what professionalism is," Crowther said.
