Key facts
- Compass adopted a policy barring salaried employees and brokerage managers from state and local Realtor association leadership roles.
- A Compass spokesperson said the policy was informed by a similar policy previously implemented at Anywhere.
- Compass did not clarify whether current Realtor leaders must step down or whether the ban covers non-Realtor MLSs.
- Compass acquired Anywhere in early January 2026.
- In July, Compass said agents would receive complimentary American Real Estate Association membership through 2027.
Compass International Holdings has adopted a policy preventing salaried employees and brokerage managers from holding leadership roles at state and local Realtor associations, the company confirmed on November 10, 2026.
A Compass spokesperson told HousingWire in an emailed statement that the policy was "informed by a similar policy previously implemented at Anywhere." The spokesperson added: "We periodically review our policies and have decided to extend this approach across our business." It remains unclear whether employees and managers currently in Realtor leadership roles have been instructed to step down, and Compass did not clarify whether the ban also extends to non-Realtor owned MLSs.
Compass acquired Anywhere in early January 2026. In October 2023, as part of its proposed commission lawsuit settlement, Anywhere said it would no longer require brokerages, brokers or agents affiliated with its brands to be Realtor association members, leaving the decision to join up to the agents, brokers and affiliates.
A spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors told HousingWire that the association has "served the industry as a member-led organization since 1908." The spokesperson added that NAR welcomes all staff, agents, independent contractors, brokers and others in the real estate industry who align with its mission, and that its members and leaders work to advance homeownership and property rights, including by getting the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed into law with bipartisan support.
In July, Compass announced it was joining the American Real Estate Association and that all agents affiliated with the firm through franchises or owned-brokerage operations would receive complimentary membership for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027.