I recently returned from representing ABOR at the National Association of Realtors Meetings in Anaheim California, which was attended by over 12,000 REALTOR members from all over the country … it’s amazing when you step back and realize that we are a part of something so big and at the same time are all independent contractors. The advocacy we receive through the organization is second to none and that is easy to lose sight of while busy doing business in our corner of the universe. Whenever I attend state and national meetings, I’m amazed at how many people volunteer their time, so that we can wake up every day, turn on our computers, and access all of our tools that make our businesses function.  Without a national, state, and local association of realtors, what would our industry look like?

As you can imagine, with all that is going on in our industry, the meetings were all well attended…and several were overflowing.  NAR made it clear that even though they lost the recent lawsuit, they feel that they are on the right side of the law and will prevail in the appeal process – it was addressed over and over again in the sessions we attended. While everyone waits for the appeals process to play out, NAR does not seem eager to propose any major policy changes. 

NAR stands by the fact that its guidance for local MLS broker marketplaces ensures consumers get comprehensive, equitable, transparent, and reliable home information and that brokerages of any size, service or pricing model get a fair shot at competing. NAR's policies expressly prohibit MLSs, associations, and brokers from setting or suggesting real estate commissions or fees. Compensation is negotiable between agents and their clients.  Please take the time to visit competition.realtor. The website serves as an information hub about how REALTORS® and local MLS broker marketplaces create competitive, efficient, pro-consumer markets.   

It also can serve as a reference to share key points with clients to explain the competitive nature of the market and the critical role MLSs and REALTORS® play in advancing consumers’ interests. The site will help you to articulate your value to buyers and sellers. There is also a brochure available “179 Ways Agents who are Realtors are worth every penny of their compensation”. Please take advantage of the great tools available to you.

I am excited about what the future holds for our local market.  Our membership with WMRA (Western Mountain Resort Alliance), is already benefiting our organization.  Within the next couple of months, an independent study should be completed, on the impact of Short-Term Rentals on local resort economies, and how local governments’ regulations…as they attempt to regulate STRs, impact the STR industry.  We were chosen, as one of the first three resort communities to be involved in this study.  WMRA will continue to be hyper focused on the issues and challenges specific to Resort areas. ABOR is busy planning the 2024 calendar year and we hope that you will save the dates for all of the programs and events we are working on.

In conclusion, I would like to say that I am honored to be serving in the role of President of ABOR in 2024. Please feel free to reach out and introduce yourself, share your thoughts or just to say hi.

Kind Regards,

Jason