The Advantages of NOT Joining NAR as a Realtor

For years, joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was considered a given for real estate professionals. It was seen as a requirement to be taken seriously in the industry, gain access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS), and enjoy various member benefits. However, in recent years, more agents and brokerages have questioned the necessity of NAR membership. With changing industry dynamics, legal concerns, and shifting professional standards, many realtors are now opting not to join NAR—and they’re seeing real benefits in doing so.

Here’s why not joining NAR might be the right move for you.

1. You Save Hundreds of Dollars a Year

NAR membership fees are no small expense. Between national, state, and local dues, many real estate professionals pay well over $600–$800 per year just to remain members. If you can operate successfully without NAR, that’s a significant amount of money that stays in your pocket—money that can be reinvested into better marketing, lead generation, or business tools.

2. You Can Still Access MLS Without NAR

For a long time, realtors joined NAR because they needed access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)—a critical tool for buying and selling homes. However, not all MLSs require NAR membership anymore. Many local and regional MLSs now allow non-NAR members to subscribe directly, eliminating the need to pay for an NAR membership just to list properties.

If your MLS offers this option, there’s no reason to pay for NAR membership when you can get MLS access for a lower cost.

3. No Risk of NAR’s Legal Issues Impacting You

NAR has faced multiple lawsuits in recent years, particularly regarding commission structures and antitrust concerns. These legal battles have raised ethical and financial concerns, and some brokerages are distancing themselves from the organization to avoid potential fallout.

By not joining NAR, you avoid liability risks and distance yourself from any legal or ethical complications tied to the association.

4. Freedom from NAR’s Code of Ethics (and its Restrictions)

NAR enforces a strict Code of Ethics, which dictates how realtors conduct business. While ethical standards are important, some professionals find NAR’s policies to be overly restrictive or even outdated.

For instance, NAR’s rules regulate how you can advertise, communicate, and interact with clients. Some realtors prefer the freedom to set their own ethical standards while still maintaining compliance with state real estate laws.

5. You Can Still Build a Successful Brand Without NAR

NAR likes to promote its REALTOR® trademark as a badge of credibility, but in reality, clients care more about results than memberships. Your reputation, marketing strategy, and track record of success speak louder than an NAR membership.

Many top-producing agents have built their brands without being NAR members, proving that success in real estate is about service, marketing, and relationships—not just an association badge.

6. More Control Over Commission Negotiations

One of the biggest shifts in real estate today is commission transparency and negotiation. NAR’s past policies have been criticized for keeping commission structures rigid. By operating outside of NAR, you have more flexibility in how you structure your fees and negotiate with clients, giving you a competitive edge.

7. You Avoid Supporting a Controversial Organization

NAR has come under scrutiny for its political lobbying efforts, leadership controversies, and alleged misconduct within the organization. Many realtors choose not to support NAR’s initiatives due to ethical concerns.

By staying independent, you retain control over which organizations you support and how your money is used in the industry.

Final Thoughts: Is Leaving NAR Right for You?

Opting out of NAR isn’t for everyone, but it’s becoming an increasingly viable option for real estate professionals looking to reduce costs, gain flexibility, and operate independently. If your local MLS allows non-NAR membership and you’re confident in your branding and business strategies, there’s no reason you must stay tied to NAR.

Ultimately, your success in real estate depends on your skills, client relationships, and marketing efforts—not whether you carry a REALTOR® designation.

Thinking about dropping NAR? Make sure to check your state and local regulations first, and explore how you can still access the tools you need—without paying for a membership that may not serve you.

As a busy realtor, your time is valuable. Between showings, client meetings, and closing deals, the last thing you need is a complicated process to book high-quality real estate media. That’s why at Berridge Media, we’ve made scheduling professional photography, video, drone services, and more quick and seamless.

Simple Online Booking – Just a Few Clicks Away!

Forget the back-and-forth emails and long phone calls—our easy-to-use online booking system lets you schedule services in minutes. Just head over to our order form, select your desired services, and choose a convenient time slot that works for you. It’s that simple!

Why Realtors Love Our Booking System:

✅ 24/7 Availability – Book anytime, anywhere, at your convenience.
✅ Clear Pricing & Packages – Know exactly what you’re getting with upfront pricing.
✅ Instant Confirmations – Receive immediate booking confirmations so you can plan accordingly.
✅ Multiple Services in One Order – Need photos, video, drone, and a floor plan? Add them all in one go!
✅ Easy Rescheduling – Life happens! Quickly reschedule or modify your appointment if needed.

Professional Media That Sells Homes Faster

At Berridge Media, we provide stunning real estate photography, cinematic video tours, 3D virtual tours, floorplans, and aerial drone footage—all designed to make your listings stand out and sell faster.

📍 Ready to simplify your real estate marketing? Visit our booking page today and schedule your next real estate media package with ease.

Let us handle the visuals so you can focus on closing deals! 🚀

As we move through 2025, the real estate markets in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey, the Poconos, the Jersey Shore, Delaware, and the Delmarva Peninsula are exhibiting varied trends influenced by regional dynamics. Here's an overview of the current landscape:

Southeastern Pennsylvania

The housing market in Southeastern Pennsylvania remains robust, with stable demand and modest price appreciation. The region benefits from its proximity to major urban centers like Philadelphia, attracting both families and professionals. Inventory levels have seen slight improvements, offering more options for prospective buyers.

Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey

New Jersey's real estate market is experiencing a revival across several sectors. Pent-up demand, improved market conditions, and an influx of foreign investors are contributing to increased activity. Lenders are more willing to provide construction financing, enabling developers to advance previously stalled projects. Additionally, new affordable housing requirements are fostering collaboration between developers and local governments to address the need for 60,000 to 80,000 affordable units.

re-nj.com

Experts predict that mortgage rates will remain relatively stable, with potential slight decreases. The Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts aim to provide relief, and while 30-year fixed mortgage rates have fluctuated between 6% and 7% throughout 2024, forecasts suggest an average rate of 6.3% for 2025.

northjersey.com

Housing inventory is expected to increase modestly. Realtor.com projects an 11.7% rise in existing home inventory, while the National Association of Realtors anticipates a 9% increase. This gradual improvement should provide buyers with more options, though inventory levels may still fall short of pre-pandemic figures.

northjersey.com

Home prices are forecasted to continue their upward trajectory but at a more moderate pace. Realtor.com predicts a 3.7% increase in home prices for 2025, while the National Association of Realtors expects a 2% rise. This suggests a more balanced market, offering some relief to buyers facing affordability challenges.

northjersey.com

The Poconos

The Poconos region remains attractive for vacation home buyers and investors seeking rental properties. The demand for short-term rentals continues to support property values, with a steady influx of buyers looking for recreational and investment opportunities.

The Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore real estate market is closely tied to mortgage rate trends. Buyers are monitoring rates, hoping for decreases to enhance affordability. The limited inventory of available homes has been a challenge, but any stabilization or reduction in mortgage rates could stimulate increased purchasing activity in this desirable coastal area.

app.com

Delaware and Delmarva Peninsula

Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula are experiencing steady real estate activity. Affordable housing options and favorable tax structures make these areas appealing to retirees and first-time homebuyers. The markets are characterized by moderate price growth and balanced supply and demand dynamics.

Conclusion

Across these regions, the 2025 real estate outlook is cautiously optimistic. Factors such as stable mortgage rates, gradual increases in housing inventory, and moderate price appreciation contribute to a more balanced market environment. Buyers and sellers are encouraged to stay informed about local market conditions and work with real estate professionals to navigate the evolving landscape effectively.

Contact Us