One year ago, Jason Haber organized a petition seeking the resignation of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) President Kenny Parcell. Within days, the executive was gone, and Haber's life had changed forever.
The petition's momentum, albeit rapid and fierce, can not compare to the tectonic shifts already in motion in the real estate industry. For years, multiple clusters of fanged lawsuits have worked their way through the justice system.
Sitzer-Burnett vs NAR
The NAR and co-defendants lost a major battle and faced a monster penalty that stoked the fear of bankruptcy with a dagger looming close to their not-so-not-for-profit hearts.
The recent implementation of a DOJ and court-guided settlement (proposed) of the Sitzer-Burnett (and related) cases has changed and upended the staid and foggy practices of running a real estate business, ushering in a new era promising transparency and accountability.
If the Department of Justice stays quiet (unlikely) and the Court approves the recently implemented practice changes and settlement of the Sitzer-Burnett cases, the real estate industry may be on track to compete and operate ethically in the modern era.
These practice changes will undoubtedly require numerous iterations to perfect and reshape tired traditions embedded in U.S. real estate businesses. Whether or not the legacy trade association and old-line business models can adjust is to be determined.
American Real Estate Association
Jason Haber and Mauricio Umansky, CEO/Founder of the Agency, announced in January the formation of a new trade organization, the American Real Estate Association, which is billed as "built by agents, for agents."
The American Real Estate Association has the potential to become a significant alternative to the NAR. With a focus on modern tools and methods, it aims to avoid the bloat and rust of its elder industry mate.
Jason Haber Is Not Afraid
During this discussion, Haber was direct, clear, and personable, holding nothing back while describing the failings of real estate agents, brokers, brokerages and the national trade organization.
His commitment to improvement, good trouble, and forward momentum inspires confidence and a desire to get involved.
The winds of generational change apply not only to politics but also to the business of residential real estate.
Author’s Note
Haber declined to comment when asked if the plaid shirt worn during this interview is a nod to the current election cycle and the Vice-Presidential candidate.
American Real Estate Association | NYTimes
Haber Rattling - Agent Comes For The NAR | The Real Deal
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About The Author And Podcast Host
Tom Levine, leveraging a 25-year tenure in capital markets, leads Zero Hour Group and Native Angelino Real Estate, offering a suite of consulting, strategic analysis, and real estate services.
An alumnus of USC Marshall School of Business and the Claremont Colleges - Pitzer College campus with a term at the London School of Economics. Additionally, he holds a CADRE broker's license and the designation certified Short Sale Specialist under the National Association of Realtors. CA DRE #02052698
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