NAR president Kevin Brown warns outside forces threaten real estate marketplace

Brown drew parallels between the forces behind the 2008 housing crisis and those he said are now attempting to reshape how real estate is bought and sold. "Today, outside forces have once again entered our industry, and this time around it is our marketplace instead of our financial system, motivated by profits, control and market share," he said. He did not identify the companies or organizations.

The remarks come as the industry debates listing distribution, broker control of listing data and the role of multiple listing services. Brown said the MLS system remains essential to competition and to giving buyers and sellers access to comprehensive property information. "America is home to the fairest, most accessible and transparent real estate market in the world," he said, citing a pro-competitive foundation anchored in the MLS system.

Brown said NAR is working with MLSs, associations and industry leaders on marketplace concerns and advocating for the MLS system in Washington. He urged members to defend the existing marketplace, saying it should serve the consumer, the industry and Realtors rather than a select few.

On the association itself, Brown said NAR must be willing to change. He pointed to staff reductions, streamlined governance and a renewed focus on member services as part of NAR's three-year strategic plan. "That is why we have rightsized our staff, streamlined our governance structure and sharpened our focus," he said.

Brown addressed criticism of NAR, saying accountability starts with honesty about where the association has fallen short. He also took aim at what he characterized as sensationalized coverage, saying "Sensationalism sells," while adding that NAR respects its critics and that honest criticism makes it better.

Brown cited NAR's legislative efforts, including passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and pointed to work on modernizing credit scoring and helping delinquent veteran homeowners avoid foreclosure. He is preparing to hand the presidency to Florida's Christine Hansen, and said NAR is not perfect and its work is not finished.