The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its second-quarter update on the 2026-2028 strategic plan on Wednesday outlining progress on lobbying, legal strategy, MLS guidance, technology and education designed to protect member businesses and reinforce the value of membership.

NAR CEO Nykia Wright said the plan is the association’s primary vehicle for delivering advocacy, guidance and tools to help members serve clients and grow their businesses in a fast-changing market and regulatory environment.

The update, which runs through seven priority areas, comes as the industry continues to absorb the impact of commission litigation, shifting Department of Justice (DOJ) scrutiny of MLS practices and affordability pressures tied to high mortgage rates and constrained inventory. For brokers, MLSs and agents, the details signal how NAR is deploying its resources over the next two years and where to expect new tools or policy changes.

Advocacy and coalition building

NAR said it helped shepherd what it called the most significant federal housing package in nearly two decades into law through a nationwide advocacy campaign and coalition work. The organization framed the legislation as a response to ongoing supply and affordability challenges.

For lenders, brokerages and real estate agents operating in markets defined by low inventory and stretched buyers, the scope and implementation of this package will influence demand, construction pipelines and local planning decisions. NAR positioned its coalition activity as a way to keep members at the table as federal agencies and lawmakers translate legislation into rules and programs.

MLS guidance and regulatory engagement

On the MLS front, NAR reported that it published practical guidance and resources for MLSs and members and convened industry partners to send letters to the DOJ, Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Copyright Office in support of the MLS system.

The guidance is aimed at increasing clarity around MLS policies, while the letters seek to underscore the role of MLSs in maintaining a transparent, pro-competitive marketplace. This work lands as regulators and courts reexamine how listing data, broker cooperation and compensation are structured.

For MLS executives and brokerage leaders, the update signals that additional policy clarifications and documentation could be coming from NAR to help align local rules with evolving legal and regulatory expectations.

Litigation strategy and brand protection

NAR said it has “reduced legal uncertainty” through a series of developments, including a strategic settlement in the Tuccori homebuyer commission case and multiple court dismissals of challenges to NAR’s membership and MLS structure.

The Tuccori settlement has received preliminary court approval. If granted final approval, NAR said, it would provide members, state and local associations, MLSs and eligible brokerages with protection from potential copycat lawsuits without requiring new business practice changes.

For brokerage owners and association leaders navigating the broader landscape of commission-related litigation, the scope of the Tuccori deal and the referenced dismissals will be closely watched as potential signals for how courts are viewing NAR’s structures and policies. The association’s emphasis on brand protection also reflects a push to steady consumer confidence amid ongoing headlines about the industry’s compensation model.

Broker engagement and business support

NAR reported that it has stepped up broker engagement by deploying new broker-specific resources, business tools, advocacy forums and direct outreach intended to support operations and business generation.

These efforts include more targeted programming tailored to brokerage needs, such as forums that tie policy developments to day-to-day business decisions. For brokerage leaders working through margin compression, agent retention and changing lead flows, additional NAR-backed tools and touchpoints could influence decisions around training, compliance and technology adoption.

Technology and data modernization

The association said it delivered new market intelligence tools and strengthened member data capabilities in the second quarter. The goal, according to the update, is to help members make more informed business decisions, better serve clients and compete in a data-driven market.

Governance and committee reform

NAR said it is continuing its multiyear effort to modernize governance through strategic committee reforms. Recent changes include a new application process designed to align member expertise with leadership opportunities and a simplified committee structure.

The stated objective is a “more effective and efficient” governance system with a stronger leadership pipeline. For association volunteers and state and local leaders, these changes may affect how they engage with NAR’s national committees, how quickly policy changes move and where member voices are integrated into decision-making.

Education and professionalism

On the education front, NAR reported “stakeholder-driven” curriculum updates, migration to a new learning management system and more accessible professional development options. The aim is to give members easier access to modern coursework that helps them build skills, meet rising professional standards and reinforce consumer trust in Realtors.

“The goal is simple: clearer information, more useful resources and stronger support to help you run your business and serve your clients in today’s market,” Wright said.

What’s next

Looking ahead, NAR said it will continue to execute on the strategic plan through more role-specific programming at its NAR NXT conference, the formal launch of its new learning management system and what it described as an increased commitment to professionalism.


This article was generated using HousingWire Automation and reviewed by a HousingWire editor before publication.

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