Key facts
- Compass International Holdings agents and brokers are joining the American Real Estate Association (ARA).
- Members will receive complimentary membership through the end of 2027.
- ARA aims to provide a competitive alternative for real estate professionals.
- The association previously offered complimentary membership to REMAX agents and integrated Douglas Elliman agents.
- NYRAC was established as ARA's foundational local chapter in January 2025.
Compass International Holdings has announced that its affiliated agents and brokers will join the American Real Estate Association (ARA). This move provides agents under the Compass International Holdings umbrella with complimentary membership for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.
Robert Reffkin, CEO of Compass International Holdings, stated that the decision supports a competitive alternative in national representation for real estate professionals, emphasizing agent choice and value. ARA, co-founded in 2024 by Mauricio Umansky and Compass agent Jason Haber, aims to create a unified voice and provide advocacy for industry professionals.
This expansion follows ARA's recent outreach to other major real estate entities. Approximately a month prior, the association welcomed REMAX president and chief growth officer Chris Lim to its board and offered complimentary memberships to all REMAX agents in the U.S. Additionally, Douglas Elliman has integrated its more than 6,600 agents into ARA's membership, with its president and CEO Michael Liebowitz and general counsel Deva Roberts serving on the ARA board.
Briggs Elwell, CEO and co-founder of RLTYco, noted that the decisions by brokerages of various sizes to join ARA confirm a market demand for competition and agent-focused leadership. In January 2025, ARA also absorbed the New York Residential Agent Continuum (NYRAC) to serve as its foundational local chapter, establishing a presence in a key market.