NAR NXT 2025 Recap: What This Means for Longleaf Pine REALTORS® Members
How This Year’s Biggest REALTOR® Event Sets the Stage for 2026 and Beyond
Each year, NAR NXT brings together REALTORS®, industry leaders, innovators, and association professionals from across the country to discuss the future of real estate. But 2025 wasn’t just another conference — it was a pivotal moment for our industry.
With major changes in governance, professional standards, compensation policy, and strategic planning, this year’s NAR NXT set the tone for what real estate professionals can expect heading into 2026. For Longleaf Pine REALTORS® members, these updates aren’t just interesting — they are directly relevant to your business, your clients, and your long-term success.
Our LPR staff, leadership, and members were on-site throughout the week, gathering insights, attending governance sessions, and ensuring our region’s voice was part of the national conversation. Here’s what you need to know — and what it means for you.
A Transformational Year: Leadership, Clarity, and Forward Momentum
From the opening moments of the conference, it was clear that NAR NXT 2025 was focused on progress — rebuilding trust, modernizing systems, and aligning the association with the realities of today’s real estate environment.
CEO Nykia Wright underscored this commitment during her mainstage presentation, reminding REALTORS® that transformation isn’t just happening at the leadership level — it’s happening across the industry as NAR clarifies standards, refreshes strategic direction, and doubles down on member needs.
Her message was one of transparency, responsiveness, and renewed energy, themes that shaped the entire week.
Key Decisions from the Board of Directors & Delegate Body
What They Voted On — and What It Means for LPR Members
NAR’s governance meetings are where the most impactful decisions get made. This year, several major actions were approved that will influence how REALTORS® do business in 2026.
1. Code of Ethics Updates (Taking Effect January 1, 2026)
The Professional Standards Committee advanced several changes aimed at aligning the Code with the 2024 settlement and modernizing long-standing practices:
✔ Article 7 Changes Approved
Clarifies that compensation from more than one party only requires disclosure to — and approval from — your client(s).
This means:
- Buyer-broker agreements stay private
- Sellers and their brokers do not have access to buyer compensation details
- Clarity and boundaries are strengthened
✔ SOP 3-4 Deleted
The requirement to disclose variable rate commissions was tied to unilateral offers of compensation. With that practice ending, the SOP is now obsolete.
✔ SOP 17-4 Updated
Arbitration awards cannot exceed the terms outlined in the buyer representation agreement — reinforcing consistency with new compensation rules.
❌ Article 6 Amendment Rejected by the Delegate Body
This amendment would have expanded referral fee disclosures to clients and customers.
The Board approved it, but Delegates narrowly voted against it.
➡ What it means for LPR members:
These changes support transparency while respecting client confidentiality and aligning standards with today’s business models.
Expect updated training and guidance from LPR as we approach the January 1 effective date.
2. New Audit & Governance Policies
The Board approved:
- BDO USA as NAR’s new audit and tax services provider
- A constitutional change extending the director appointment deadline to October 31 (instead of September 15)
➡ What it means for LPR members:
Stronger financial oversight and more flexible leadership appointments will support smoother operations at state and local associations — including ours.
3. Strategic Plan: A Data-Driven New Direction
One of the biggest moments of NAR NXT was the unveiling of the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, grounded in:
- Over 1,000 hours of research
- 68,000+ members and association executives surveyed
- 375+ organizations consulted
- 100+ focus group participants
Slides shared during the presentation highlighted the three forces shaping tomorrow’s industry:
Industry & Economic Pressures
New competitors, rising rates, inconsistent professionalism, and tech disruption.
Diverse Stakeholder Expectations
Buyers, sellers, MLSs, state/local associations, policymakers, and the media all demand clarity and credibility.
Organizational Constraints
Brand trust, shifting member sentiment, and outdated systems.
➡ What it means for LPR members:
You can expect NAR to prioritize:
- Member experience
- Advocacy
- Professionalism
- Fair housing
- Organizational modernization
These priorities align with what our LPR members consistently tell us they need most — clearer guidance, better tools, and stronger consumer trust.
Recognizing REALTOR® Leadership and Service
NAR honored several national leaders this year, including the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipients and volunteers receiving the President’s Award.
Outgoing President Kevin Sears was also recognized for leading the association through a historic period of change. His leadership was widely applauded — and his transition into Immediate Past President marks an important continuity for the association.
➡ What this means for LPR members:
Leadership stability at NAR supports consistency, trust, and forward movement — especially after several years of industry turbulence.
2026 NAR Leadership Team Installed
At the conclusion of the Board meeting, the 2026 Leadership Team officially took office:
- Kevin Brown, President (California)
- Christine Hansen, President-Elect (Florida)
- Colin Mullane, First Vice President (Oregon)
- Craig Sanford, Treasurer (Arizona)
- Kevin Sears, Immediate Past President (Massachusetts)
- Asa Fleming, VP of Advocacy (North Carolina)
- Bobbi Howe, VP of Association Affairs (Missouri)
Regional Vice Presidents representing all 13 NAR regions were also sworn in, including Region 4’s Hagan Stone (Tennessee) and Region 5’s Keith Henley (Mississippi).
➡ What it means for LPR members:
With North Carolina’s own Asa Fleming serving as VP of Advocacy, our region has strong representation at the national level — ensuring your needs are heard.
NAR’s Priorities, Validated by Members
Survey data shared at NXT showed REALTORS® strongly endorsing NAR’s new strategic focus.
Top priorities (rated “Somewhat or Very Valuable” by 73–83% of respondents):
- Helping REALTORS® thrive in day-to-day business
- Protecting and advancing legal interests
- Rebuilding the REALTOR® brand
- Recommitting to professionalism
- Cultivating trust
- Supporting property ownership for all
➡ What it means for LPR members:
You can expect more resources designed to support your day-to-day business and strengthen your long-term value proposition with clients.
Emerging Themes LPR Members Should Watch in 2026
1. Professionalism Standards Will Continue Rising
More training, clearer policies, and reinforced expectations.
2. Buyer Representation Agreements Are Now Essential
Expect additional guidance from LPR on explaining value, compensation, and agency relationships.
3. MLS Reform Is Coming
The Executive Committee approved 18 recommendations to update the MLS Policy Handbook, focusing on clarity, usability, and consumer transparency.
4. Advocacy Remains a Priority
Expect increased federal engagement on flood insurance, insurance availability, and tax policies that support property owners.
5. Digital Transaction Tech Will Continue to Expand
NAR is supporting federal legislation that streamlines digital processes — a win for REALTORS® and consumers.
What NAR NXT 2025 Means for YOU as an LPR Member
Everything that happened at NXT leads to two major takeaways for our region:
1. REALTORS® Are Moving Into a New Era
With professionalism, clarity, and consumer trust leading the way, our industry is evolving — and LPR is committed to helping our members navigate every change with confidence.
2. You’re Not Facing These Changes Alone
LPR staff, leadership, and volunteers were fully present at NXT to make sure our members have:
- Accurate information
- Training and support
- Strong representation at every level
- A clear path forward
We’re here to help you succeed — from the front lines of national policy to your day-to-day business.
