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 While ethical standards are important, some professionals find NAR’s policies to be overly restrictive or even outdated.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Video content is highly engaging and can capture viewers' attention more effectively than text or images alone. This engagement leads to higher retention rates and increased likelihood of sharing, expanding your content's reach.

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1. Captivating Visual Content

Drones can capture dynamic videos and photographs of your business locations, highlighting unique features and amenities and enthralling consumers.

2. Enhanced Audience Engagement

Incorporating drone footage into your marketing materials can lead to higher engagement rates. Eye-catching aerial visuals are more likely to be shared on social media platforms, increasing your brand's visibility and reach. According to data, 54% of consumers across all age groups want to see more video content from brands or businesses they support.

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Drones have proven to be a cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods of inspection, monitoring, and data collection. For example, in industries like real estate, drones can capture comprehensive property visuals without the need for expensive equipment or large crews.

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Drones are versatile tools that can be utilized across various industries. For instance, in real estate marketing, properties showcased with aerial shots are 68% more likely to sell.

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1. High-Quality Photography Increases Engagement

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that listings with professional photos receive significantly more views and sell faster than those without. Sharp, well-lit images highlight a property's best features, creating an emotional connection with potential buyers before they even step inside.

2. Video Brings Properties to Life

While photos capture still moments, video provides a dynamic and immersive experience. Professionally produced real estate videos showcase the flow of a home, allowing buyers to visualize themselves moving through the space. Video marketing also enhances social media engagement, attracting a wider audience through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

3. Drone and Aerial Media Showcases Unique Perspectives

For larger properties, luxury homes, and unique landscapes, aerial drone photography and video add a wow factor that static images can't achieve. They provide a comprehensive view of the home’s surroundings, proximity to amenities, and overall curb appeal, giving buyers a perspective that traditional ground-level photography cannot.

4. Floorplans Offer Clarity and Transparency

One of the biggest frustrations for buyers is not knowing a property's layout until they schedule a showing. Floorplans eliminate guesswork by offering a clear visual representation of room dimensions and spatial flow. When paired with high-quality images and video, they help buyers make more informed decisions and increase the likelihood of serious inquiries.

5. 3D Virtual Tours Expand Accessibility

In an increasingly digital world, 3D virtual tours have become a game-changer in real estate marketing. These interactive experiences allow buyers to explore a property at their own pace from anywhere in the world. Virtual tours increase engagement, reduce unnecessary showings, and attract out-of-town or international buyers who may not be able to visit in person.

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At Berridge Media, we specialize in creating stunning, high-impact visual content that helps real estate agents and sellers stand out in a crowded market. Our professional photography, videography, drone media, floorplans, and 3D virtual tours are designed to showcase your property in the best light, ensuring maximum exposure and faster sales.

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1. Attract More Clients - Professional photos are proven to attract more clients to your listings. They help make the property more visually appealing, showing the property's best features, which increases the probability that a potential buyer will schedule a showing.

2. Increase Visibility and Engagement - In today's digital world, listings are primarily viewed online. Professional photos help the listing stand out and increase visibility, resulting in more website traffic and social media engagement. This can lead to more inquiries and more clients.

3. Sell Properties Faster - Properties with professional photos sell faster than those with amateur photos or no photos at all. High-quality photos can help create a sense of urgency among potential buyers, leading to quicker sales and fewer days on the market.

4. Enhance Your Branding - Professional photos can help you establish a strong brand identity and stand out from the competition. By presenting a professional image, you can attract more clients who value quality and are willing to pay for it.

5. Build Trust with Clients - When you use professional photos, you demonstrate to clients that you take your business seriously and are committed to providing the best possible service. This builds trust, which is essential for establishing long-term relationships with clients.

6. Increase Your Bottom Line - By investing in professional real estate photos, you can increase your bottom line. Faster sales, more clients, and higher commissions are just some of the ways that professional photos can positively impact your business.

Overall, professional real estate photos are an investment that can pay off in a big way. They help you attract more clients, increase visibility and engagement, sell properties faster, enhance your branding, build trust with clients, and increase your bottom line. So if you want to take your real estate business to the next level, invest in professional photography today.