Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR) is fortunate to have thousands of members who remain committed to our mission and values in the wake of recent announcements by some brokerages that membership in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) will be optional as a condition of a recent court settlement.
As we field questions about ongoing litigation, concerns about NAR’s workplace environment, and the ever-changing real estate industry, we remain dedicated to providing valuable services and resources focused on industry excellence, ethical business practices, professional development, community outreach and housing advocacy.
We are grateful to members who are reaffirming their membership and pledging to remain engaged as volunteers.
Our region is respected as a nationwide leader in facilitating cooperation among member real estate firms through the independent member-owned, not-for-profit Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). We are also recognized as leaders in consumer transparency through SKCR, NWMLS and our state’s recently revised “Agency Law,” the statute that governs real estate brokerage relationships and provides consumer protections.
Without exception, brokerages that are reaffirming their membership in SKCR cite professional standards and ethics, education and advocacy as reasons for their decision. Among these companies are some of the oldest brokerages in the area as well as start-ups, plus some of the largest franchises and most successful independent companies.
John L. Scott Real Estate, established in 1931, stated it will continue to support membership in NAR as the organization refines its practices and cultures. “We would not be the same as an industry without NAR. From championing fair housing laws and working to eliminate housing discrimination to lobbying at a local level to create legal and ethical duties that REALTORS® must adhere to, I am proud to be a Realtor,” proclaimed CEO J. Lennox Scott, who has held leadership positions at the local, state and national levels.
Lake and Company, the largest independent brokerage holding membership in SKCR, also released a statement announcing its continuing membership.
Jason Wall, owner and designated broker, said, “Our county and state Realtor associations are at the forefront of critical legislative initiatives and housing advocacy. They actively participate in issues that impact real estate professionals and homeowners at the local and state government levels. . . As an independent brokerage, we possess the autonomy to make decisions that best serve our brokers and clients. In this moment I firmly believe that continued support for our local associations and local leadership is extremely important.”
Two leaders with local RE/MAX brokerages also affirmed their plans to maintain memberships in Realtor organizations. In an announcement in October, that company’s CEO said RE/MAX would no longer require agents to be members of NAR as part of a settlement on buyer commission lawsuits.
Jennifer Gilbert-Smith, a member of SKCR’s board of directors and designated broker/office leader at RE/MAX Leading Professionals, said they remain committed to NAR, WR and SKCR. Several benefits stand out, she said, citing regular communication on advocacy, candidate endorsements, education opportunities, the legal hotline, and the tech helpline. “REALTOR® membership also helps our firm execute our values of professionalism, integrity, service and growth,” she added.
In confirming its commitment and support, Paul Blumenstetter, designated broker/owner at RE/MAX Integrity, said “We believe being a Realtor office offers many benefits to our agents, including, but not limited to education, advocacy and the commitment to make our profession one of high integrity to our clients.”
The largest residential real estate firm in the region, ranked by sales volume, and one of the most respected real estate brands nationwide, is Windermere Real Estate. In a message to their owners and managers, co-presidents Geoff Wood, Jill Jacobi Wood and OB Jacobi stated “Windermere plans to continue its more than four decades of NAR membership as we believe that the educational resources they provide and the advocacy work that is done on our behalves and that of homeowners is invaluable.
“There’s no question that NAR executive leadership needs to take a hard look at its organizational structure and devise a plan to support its members more effectively, but we feel strongly that it is in the best interests of both our agents and clients to remain NAR members.”
Corcoran Lifestyle Properties, owned by Keoki and Stephanie McCarthy, said “NAR has been instrumental in the development of leaders within Corcoran Lifestyle Properties. Many of the company’s agents have held leadership positions in various REALTOR® organizations, a testament to NAR’s capacity to foster professionalism and growth.”
In its statement reaffirming its membership, Zillow noted it has worked to affect change at local and national levels since joining NAR in 2020. Company spokesperson Merritt Talbott said in a statement, “We believe part of the current path for modernizing the industry is through engaging at the local and national level with both [multiple listing services] and NAR.
SKCR, like the state and national organizations, recognizes the active participation of its member brokers is what makes us a viable and valuable organization.
In our market, brokers do not need to be Realtor members to access the multiple listing service.
Northwest MLS is an independent entity, so for local real estate firms the incentive to maintain membership as Realtors is inextricably based on deliverables. We remain dedicated to providing these in the form of advocacy activities, professional development programs, networking opportunities, access to a legal hotline and tech helpline, community service and other resources to equip members with a competitive edge and to create vibrant communities where homeownership is both accessible and affordable.
Sharon O’Mahony is the president of Seattle King County REALTORS® and a broker at Windermere Real Estate/Seattle-Greenwood.