The National Association of Realtors wrapped up its annual NXT conference in New Orleans on Sunday.
The conference’s attendees got updates on the Association’s three-year Strategic Plan and listened to the industry’s biggest names talk about artificial intelligence, navigating market headwinds and the intensifying debate on listing data ownership and distribution.
Country superstar Reba McEntire also appeared, discussing her decision to become the face of Realtor.com’s Nearly Home campaign and her respect for Realtors.
Here’s a quick recap of the biggest news to come from the weekend:
Addressing the MLS tension
The Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee adopted four MLS policy recommendations over the weekend, which focused on strengthening copyright protections, expanding MLS’s ability to set local data feed licensing requirements, clarifying permitted uses of MLS data and updating NAR MLS Committee qualifications.
- The committee revised MLS Policy Statement 7.85, known as Ownership of Listing and Listing Content. The statement, adopted in 2005, states that participants — not the MLS — own the listing agreement and that MLSs must get participants’ consent to use listings and listing information for anything beyond the defined purposes of the MLS. However, the revision adopted this weekend allows MLSs to claim up to 50 percent ownership interest of certain listing content. Participants can opt out of giving the MLS copyright interest and still have the right to “independently use and license their own listing content.”
- The committee also introduced a new provision that gives MLSs more flexibility to create and enforce local eligibility and licensing requirements for certain data feeds. NAR didn’t provide specific guidance on what those requirements can and cannot include, outside of saying they must be “reasonable, objective and applied equally to all participants.” Participants retain access to MLS listing information and data feeds of their own listings, the Association said.
- The next statement focused on curtailing unauthorized use of MLS content, noting that “the use of MLS data must comply with applicable MLS participation or data licensing agreements and be connected to providing real estate brokerage services, preparing appraisals or other valuations of real property.”
- The last change updated MLS committee membership qualifications. The new qualifications don’t impact current members.
NAR CEO Nykia Wright said each update reflects the current industry landscape, as major players battle over listing data ownership, distribution and monetization. The Association said the updates stem from countless calls and meetings with more than 500 MLS leaders, as well as work by the MLS Emerging Issues and Technology Advisory Board’s MLS work group, which includes MLS leaders, brokers, and association executives.
“These updates reflect our commitment to ensuring MLS policies remain relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of today’s real estate industry,” Wright said in a prepared statement. “In line with our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan and significant member feedback, we will continue working collaboratively with MLSs, brokers, members and other industry partners to support a clear understanding and implementation of these changes.”
Read more: 8 quick takeaways from a first-time NAR NXT attendee
Tackling the affordability crisis
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and NAR Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research Jessica Lautz shared their 2027 projections at the Residential Economic Issues and Trends Forum on Friday.
The duo said multiple macroeconomic markers — population growth (+24.6 percent), payroll jobs (+20.5 percent) and housing wealth (+400 percent) — are all trending positively compared to 2000. However, 2026 existing-home sales (4 million) will be roughly 23 percent lower than in 2000 (5.4 million), as rising median home prices and elevated mortgage rates make it difficult for homebuyers to compete, even with rising incomes.
Yun said mortgage rates, which broke the 7 percent range in late September as the 10-Year Treasury yield and federal funds rate edged up, will need to come down to unlock demand. In the meantime, sellers will need to adjust their pricing to boost sales.
“Affordability is tough, but people’s incomes are rising, and if, somehow, mortgage rates go down, think about the potential housing demand that could be released to the marketplace,” he said. “… Homes are staying on the market a little longer than before. With longer days on market, you have to be realistic to the market conditions. Otherwise, buyers will reject the homes on the market.”
Meanwhile, Lautz focused on the Association’s 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, which debuted on Thursday.
“First-time home buyers are struggling,” she said of the report’s findings. “They’re not struggling just with housing affordability. They’re also struggling with rent. They’re struggling with student loan debt, and a rising issue for first-time home buyers is childcare costs.”
On the seller side, Lautz said mortgage rates are still restricting activity. The median homeseller tenure reached 12 years — the longest since NAR published its first profile in 1980.
“The golden handcuffs of low interest rate mortgages is true,” she said. “People are holding on to those properties for longer periods of time. It’s why we need to build more housing inventory — especially affordable housing inventory — for the potential first-time homebuyers who are out there.”
Read more: Today’s first-time buyers are waiting on an inheritance, and it’s pushing them into middle age
Honoring the specialists
NAR NXT wasn’t all about policy and economics.
The Association also honored its members who have gone above and beyond in their service with four Center for Realtor Development (CRD) awards. Realtors Mike Wallin, Yoshi Takita, Linda Yadao and Kent Lee won awards for consumer protection and advocacy, international home sales, environmental sustainability and senior-focused service, respectively.
- Mike Wallin was inducted into the ABR Hall of Fame for years of legislative advocacy centered on fair housing, agency transparency and consumer rights.
- Yoshi Takita won the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Excellence Award for his work in “fostering collaboration, education and business development opportunities” throughout Asia and other international markets.
- Linda Yadao received the EverGreen Award for the work she’s done with her team, the Green Real Estate Action Team, and her individual contributions to preserving and restoring Hawaiian lands.
- Kent Lee earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Outstanding Service Award for his Senior Family Solutions program, which helps seniors and their families navigate complicated real estate and healthcare decisions.
“These four honorees show how specialized expertise can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” NAR President Kevin Brown said in a written statement. “Through their commitment to education, advocacy and service, they are helping clients navigate important decisions while strengthening the communities they serve. We are proud to recognize their leadership and contributions to our profession.”
