The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors met during the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., to consider policy recommendations, elect leadership, and review the association's financial outlook.

Several actions taken by the Board will have a direct impact on REALTORS® nationwide, including maintaining national dues at current levels and electing NAR's 2027 leadership team.

National Dues Remain Unchanged

The Board approved several recommendations from NAR's Finance Committee, including maintaining national REALTOR® dues at $156 per member for 2027.

Additional finance actions included:

• Using 1.2 million members as the basis for 2027 budget planning
• Continuing the Consumer Advertising Campaign assessment structure used in 2026
• Accepting NAR's 2025 year-end financial statements

The decision means national dues will remain unchanged for the coming year.

2027 NAR Leadership Elected

The 2027 NAR Leadership Team will include:

• President: Christine Hansen (Florida)
• President-Elect: Colin Mullane (Oregon)
• First Vice President: Pete Kopf (Ohio)
• Treasurer: Patti Fitzgerald (Florida)

Of particular interest to New Mexico REALTORS®, GAAR member Hubert Hill was elected as NAR Regional Vice President for Region 11, which includes New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. In this role, Hill will serve as a liaison between NAR leadership and REALTORS® across the region, helping ensure local perspectives are represented at the national level.

That local connection helps give New Mexico REALTORS® a direct voice in discussions shaping the future of the industry nationwide.

Proposed Code of Ethics Change Sent Back for Review

One of the most discussed topics during the meeting involved a proposed addition to Article 1 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

The Professional Standards Committee recommended adding a new Standard of Practice that would require REALTORS® to disclose when they lack the knowledge, information, or skills necessary to adequately protect and promote a client's interests regarding a particular property type or geographic area.

Supporters argued the proposal would strengthen professionalism and transparency by encouraging REALTORS® to openly communicate when they encounter unfamiliar situations.

Opponents raised concerns about how such a requirement would be defined and enforced. Questions centered on what level of knowledge would be considered sufficient, who would determine competency, and whether the language could create unintended barriers for newer practitioners expanding into new markets or specialties.

After extensive discussion, the Board voted to refer the proposal back to the Professional Standards Committee for further consideration rather than adopt it at this time.

Importantly, the decision does not change existing obligations under Article 1 of the Code of Ethics, which already requires REALTORS® to protect and promote their clients' interests.

Compensation Disclosure Timing Updated

The Board approved a separate Professional Standards recommendation regarding compensation requests involving unlisted properties.

Under the approved change, any request for compensation from the seller of an unlisted property must be made no later than the time an offer is presented, rather than at the first contact with the seller.

Federal Housing Advocacy Continues

During the meeting, NAR President Kevin Brown highlighted recent advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., including progress on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

Brown described the legislation as one of the most significant bipartisan housing packages currently under consideration and credited REALTORS®, Federal Political Coordinators, and advocacy staff for helping advance policies aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability.

NAR CEO Nykia Wright also provided an update on the association's Strategic Plan and organizational initiatives, noting that additional updates will be shared with members later this summer.

What This Means for REALTORS®

While no immediate changes were made to REALTOR® competency disclosure requirements, the discussion signals that conversations around professionalism, consumer protection, and practitioner expertise will continue at the national level.

At the same time, REALTORS® can expect national dues to remain stable in 2027 while NAR continues to focus on advocacy efforts addressing housing affordability, inventory challenges, and property rights nationwide.