REALTOR® Party Advocacy Update December 2025

January 9, 2026

Advocacy is at the heart of the REALTOR® mission — and 2025 proved just how powerful that work can be. From Capitol Hill to local communities, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® Party delivered meaningful results that protect property rights, expand housing opportunity, and strengthen the real estate profession.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest advocacy highlights from the past year and what’s ahead.

A Year of Wins for REALTOR® Advocacy

The National Association of REALTORS® remains one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country, and 2025 was no exception. Through coordinated efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, NAR Advocacy addressed key issues impacting housing supply, affordability, fair housing, and REALTORS®’ ability to serve their clients.

Advocacy victories this year were made possible by member investment through advocacy dues — fueling work in Congress, the White House, state capitols, and the courts to protect homeownership and private property rights.

First-Time Homebuyers Are Getting Older — And It’s a Warning Sign

New NAR research revealed a troubling milestone: the median age of America’s first-time homebuyer has climbed to 40 years old, the highest on record.

This shift highlights growing barriers to homeownership for middle-class families. In response, NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn outlined solutions in a recent op-ed, calling on policymakers to take action.

NAR Advocacy continues to advance bipartisan policies to:

  • Expand down payment assistance for first-generation buyers
  • Reform credit-scoring systems
  • Promote assumable mortgages
  • Modernize FHA and VA loan programs
  • Incentivize starter-home construction

These solutions aim to make homeownership more attainable for the next generation.

REALTOR® Leadership Testifies on Housing Supply

In early December, Kevin Sears, immediate past president of NAR, testified before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee during the first full committee housing hearing in several years.

Sears delivered a stark message: housing supply has collapsed, affordability is eroding, and families who have done everything right — saving, working, and building credit — are being priced out of their own communities.

His testimony underscored the real-world impact REALTORS® witness every day and reinforced the need for policy reforms that remove barriers to housing production.

Housing Is a Bipartisan Priority

Momentum continues to grow on Capitol Hill. The Bipartisan Real Estate Caucus now includes more than 120 members, more than doubling in size over the past year. This growth reflects the strength of REALTOR® advocacy and the importance of housing as a bipartisan issue.

RPAC Update: Strong Support from REALTORS®

REALTORS® continue to show up in force for advocacy:

  • 90% of RPAC’s 2025 fundraising goal has already been achieved
  • Nearly 500,000 REALTORS® have participated
  • The President’s Circle exceeded its goal, raising $2.9 million for federal candidates who support real estate and property rights

These investments ensure REALTORS® have a strong voice in the political process.

New Tool Launched: The Pro-Property Platform

To further strengthen advocacy efforts, NAR recently launched the Pro-Property Platform, giving REALTORS® and their communities a new way to support federal candidates who champion homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate profession.

REALTOR® Party Programs Evolve for Greater Impact

Looking ahead to 2026, several REALTOR® Party initiatives are expanding:

  • Community Outreach has rebranded to Community Development Advocacy, reflecting a broader role in shaping policy and driving long-term housing solutions.
  • The Power Up 2026 Advocacy webinar attracted hundreds of participants eager to maximize advocacy impact.
  • Applications are now open for Transforming Neighborhoods 2026, a program offering data-driven strategies to address local real estate challenges.

Advocacy Everywhere

Through programs like Advocacy Everywhere, REALTORS® continue to increase engagement, influence public policy, and respond to Calls for Action at every level of government — ensuring housing remains affordable, available, and accessible.

Advocacy works because REALTORS® stay involved. As we move into 2026, the REALTOR® Party remains focused on protecting the American Dream of homeownership and strengthening communities across the country.

For more advocacy resources and updates, visit REALTORParty.realtor and NAR.realtor.