Key facts
- The American Real Estate Association (ARA) is experiencing significant membership growth and board expansion.
- Major real estate firms including Douglas Elliman and REMAX have aligned with ARA, integrating agents and adding leadership to its board.
- Compass International Holdings is providing complimentary memberships to its agents.
- ARA anticipates reaching 100,000 members by the end of the year, up from approximately 30,000 prior to the REMAX partnership.
- The association is focusing on advocacy efforts, including its recent involvement in Missouri politics.
- ARA plans to expand its event offerings nationwide, focusing on unique agent-focused programming.
The American Real Estate Association (ARA), co-founded by Jason Haber and Mauricio Umansky, is experiencing a surge in membership and industry partnerships, signaling its transition from a startup to an established entity in the real estate sector. Haber noted the unique challenges of building a nonprofit compared to a for-profit business, emphasizing a deliberate, foundational approach.
Recent months have seen significant strategic alliances. Real estate technology firm RLTYco partnered with ARA, bringing CEO Briggs Ellwell onto its board. This was followed by Douglas Elliman aligning with the association, integrating over 6,600 agents and adding its president and CEO Michael Liebowitz and general counsel Deva Roberts to the ARA board. Further momentum was gained with REMAX president Chris Lim and investor Andrew Dodge joining the board, alongside a commitment to provide all REMAX agents in the U.S. with a complimentary first-year membership. Compass International Holdings also announced complimentary memberships for its agents through 2027.
Haber anticipates ARA's membership will surpass 100,000 by year-end, a substantial increase from approximately 30,000 before the REMAX partnership. The association, initially conceived perhaps as a catalyst for other trade groups, now sees itself as a long-term player focused on elevating the industry, its agents, and public trust. This mission is being advanced through advocacy, exemplified by ARA's support for Missouri Realtors in opposing specific ballot amendments. Haber indicated that this involvement has spurred further discussions with other state and local Realtor associations.
Beyond advocacy, ARA is also focused on expanding its event programming, which has historically been based in New York. These events aim to connect agents with policymakers and elected officials, offering unique insights and opportunities. The association intends to replicate this model nationwide, ensuring events provide value not readily available elsewhere. Haber stressed that ARA aims to be a desirable organization for agents to join, rather than one they feel obligated to join, emphasizing its agent-centric, by-agents-for-agents approach.