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 While ethical standards are important, some professionals find NAR’s policies to be overly restrictive or even outdated.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