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The National Association of Realtors got a progress report in its ongoing campaign to improve its image among its members and the general public: It is disliked by Realtors and the broader public.
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That’s according to a new survey by the digital news outlet ResiClub, which found that NAR had a net favorability rating of –27 percent among agents and brokers.
The survey, which included 650 responses from agents, brokers, housing professionals and the members of the public, found that NAR had a net favorability rating of –42.6 percent among all adults who responded to the survey.
Thirty-five percent of agents and brokers in ResiClub’s Housing Sentiment Survey said they had a favorable outlook on NAR. Meanwhile, 62 percent said they had a negative view.
The survey was similar to recent Inman Intel surveys that also found real estate professionals have a net negative view of the organization.
In a February survey that received over 800 responses, Intel found that 23 percent of respondents believed NAR was a positive for the industry. Twenty-nine percent said NAR was not a positive, and 39 percent said they weren’t sure.
In response to the survey, NAR told Crain’s Chicago Business that the organization was committed to ongoing strategies of improvements for members.
“That includes a laser focus on redefining NAR’s member experience, strengthening our relationships with brokerages, better leveraging our relationships with state and local associations and our industry partners,” NAR told Crain’s. “While we can’t speak to these specific results or the methodology behind the report, NAR recognizes the need to address perceptions and continually take in feedback from the real estate community and consumers.”
In some ways, the survey was a reflection of what real estate professionals have been saying about NAR in recent years, with some openly questioning whether past scandals permanently damaged the Realtor brand.
The replies to the story on social media showed the disconnect even among those within the industry.
“Sad stuff. NAR holds the industry together,” wrote Nick El-Tawil, a real estate broker in Scottsdale, Arizona. “They’re not the bad guys because they lost a ridiculous lawsuit.”
“Constant scandals, lobbying the wrong things, bad business deals,” wrote Chris Colgan, an agent in Gainesville, Virginia. “Not stopping the selling of our information and so many spam calls.”
