Compass International Holdings has adopted a policy restricting employees from serving in Realtor association leadership positions, the brokerage giant confirmed to Inman on Monday.
The confirmation came after Inman investigated reports that Compass had recently directed salaried employees, including brokerage managers, to step down from leadership roles at local and state Realtor associations. Inman independently corroborated reports of the policy change through multiple sources before approaching Compass for comment.
“This change was informed by a similar policy previously implemented at Anywhere. We periodically review our policies and have decided to extend this approach across our business,” a Compass International Holdings spokesperson told Inman in an email.
Compass did not clarify whether the policy requires all affected employees to relinquish existing leadership positions or whether exceptions are permitted. The company also did not specify whether the restrictions extend to multiple listing service boards and committees.
An earlier policy at Anywhere
Compass attributed the change to a similar policy previously implemented at Anywhere Real Estate, which completed its merger with Compass in January.
Anywhere had previously loosened its formal ties to NAR following its 2023 settlement in the landmark real estate commission antitrust litigation.
Under the settlement terms, Anywhere agreed that its company-owned brokerages, franchisees and affiliated agents would not be required to belong to NAR or follow the trade group’s Code of Ethics or MLS Handbook.
Following the settlement, Anywhere CEO Ryan Schneider also questioned the industry’s reliance on NAR for advocacy in January 2024, telling attendees at Inman Connect New York that industry professionals could exercise influence in Washington independently of trade associations.
Separately, Anywhere’s 2024 Code of Ethics required employees to disclose and obtain prior approval for outside positions involving real estate industry organizations, including nonprofit board roles. The company reserved the right to deny such requests if the outside position interfered with an employee’s responsibilities or presented a competitive conflict of interest.
However, the company’s Code of Ethics did not establish a blanket prohibition on association leadership.
In a statement to Inman, the National Association of Realtors emphasized its commitment to member-led governance and said it continues to welcome participation from industry professionals regardless of employment status.
“NAR welcomes all staff, agents, independent contractors, brokers and others involved in the real estate industry who align with our mission,” the trade group said.
NAR did not directly address Compass’ policy in its statement.
Have you been affected by this policy? If you’re a Compass International Holdings employee who has been asked to step down from a Realtor association leadership position, contact Inman senior reporter AJ LaTrace.
