I The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) has taken things a step further in its battle with Phoenix Realtors (PAR) over the local team’s MLS Choice program. On Monday, NAR informed its leadership and members that it has decided to initiate the charter revocation process against PAR.
This came after PAR informed NAR that it would not withdraw or terminate the MLS Choice membership program.
With the MLS Choice membership option, real estate licensees are able to become PAR members and access the local MLS without being a member of the association. Arizona Association of Realtors or NAR.
With MLS Choice, sellers who are PAR members are able to “give their agents access to both the MLS and legal forms, as well as several benefits, outside of the three-tier membership program,” according to the PAR website.
Last week NAR sent a cease and desist letter to PAR asking it to end the program. At the time, NAR told HousingWire that its actions were necessary to “support and protect the Realtor trademark.”
The NAR did not return a request for comment on its decision to initiate the revocation process.
In an emailed statement, PAR CEO and President Andrea Aker called the NAR’s decision “an affront to the industry.”
“We have made it clear from the beginning that MLS Choice registration is a discounted non-membership option for real estate professionals to consider. It allows them to ask the question, ‘What level of programs and services do I really need to be successful?’ And anyone who works for real estate professionals should stand in support of that: creating the perfect environment for success,” Aker wrote. “A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does nothing to move this industry forward, something that needs to happen.”
Aker said PAR is committed to Realtors and is evolving around a changing industry, but he doesn’t see NAR as believing the same.
“NAR is clearly committed to influencing innovation,” he wrote.
“We are committed to continuing to protect the demand for subscription options like MLS Choice, and we stand by all the professionals we serve,” Aker said.
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