![Market headwinds & lawsuits Membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has begun to decline from its 2022 peak, with counts dipping below 1.5 million in early 2025 and leadership projecting a drop toward ~1.2 million by 2026—citing tighter markets and industry changes after commission litigation. The Sitzer/Burnett antitrust case and subsequent settlements reshaped compensation practices and increased uncertainty for agents, prompting some to exit or rethink affiliation. [realestatenews.com], [chicagobusiness.com], [therealdeal.com] [realestatenews.com], [ohiobar.org], [en.wikipedia.org] Dues, fees, and splits: an outdated cost structure Beyond macro conditions, many agents say the traditional cost stack—national/state/local dues, monthly or annual brokerage fees, desk fees, and legacy commission splits—no longer aligns with the support they receive. Analyses and industry commentary highlight how layered fees and conventional split models can erode agent earnings, pushing professionals toward leaner, fee‑based or capped alternatives. [federalreserve.gov], [realestatenews.com], [linkedin.com], [agentunlocked.com] MLS access without NAR: the Thompson Broker option A little‑known (but decades‑old) reality in the Eleventh Circuit (FL, GA, AL) is that licensed brokers can obtain MLS access without joining a Realtor association—thanks to the 1991 Thompson precedent—creating “Thompson Broker” pathways. Recent experiments like Phoenix Realtors’ “MLS Choice” program show some markets exploring association‑lite access models, further weakening the join‑or‑no‑MLS narrative. Non‑Realtor brokerages such as Easy Realty (a Thompson Broker) openly position themselves around MLS access with no monthly fees or NAR dues. [floridarealtors.org], [demetreere...school.com] [realestatenews.com] [thompsonbrokers.com] Reputation & communication challenges Internal turmoil has compounded the membership slide. Investigations and lawsuits over alleged harassment—and descriptions of a broader “culture of fear”—have damaged NAR’s brand and trust with agents. Industry reporting details multiple complaints, leadership resignations, and ongoing retaliation claims, all of which have pressured the organization to improve transparency and communication. Even NAR‑friendly analyses acknowledge the need for clearer messaging and member empowerment amid litigation and budget cuts. [realestatenews.com], [housingwire.com], [realestatenews.com] [cays.com] Where agents are going instead Agents frustrated by dues, desk fees, splits, and limited support are flocking to Non‑Realtor Member brokerages that emphasize low overhead, transparent per‑transaction pricing, and direct MLS access where permitted—models popularized by Thompson Brokers and reinforced by cloud or fee‑based alternatives. In short, a mix of market conditions, legal changes, cost structures, and reputational issues is accelerating a structural shift: agents are choosing flexibility and value over legacy affiliation](https://join.easy.realty/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/missing-1-1024x576-1.webp)
Market headwinds & lawsuits
Membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has begun to decline from its 2022 peak, with counts dipping below 1.5 million in early 2025 and leadership projecting a drop toward ~1.2 million by 2026—citing tighter markets and industry changes after commission litigation. The Sitzer/Burnett antitrust case and subsequent settlements reshaped compensation practices and increased uncertainty for agents, prompting some to exit or rethink affiliation.
Dues, fees, and splits: an outdated cost structure
Beyond macro conditions, many agents say the traditional cost stack—national/state/local dues, monthly or annual brokerage fees, desk fees, and legacy commission splits—no longer aligns with the support they receive. Analyses and industry commentary highlight how layered fees and conventional split models can erode agent earnings, pushing professionals toward leaner, fee‑based or capped alternatives.
MLS access without NAR: the Thompson Broker option
A little‑known (but decades‑old) reality in the Eleventh Circuit (FL, GA, AL) is that licensed brokers can obtain MLS access without joining a Realtor association—thanks to the 1991 Thompson precedent—creating “Thompson Broker” pathways. Recent experiments like Phoenix Realtors’ “MLS Choice” program show some markets exploring association‑lite access models, further weakening the join‑or‑no‑MLS narrative. Non‑Realtor brokerages such as Easy Realty (a Thompson Broker) openly position themselves around MLS access with no monthly fees or NAR dues. [thompsonbrokers.com]
Reputation & communication challenges
Internal turmoil has compounded the membership slide. Investigations and lawsuits over alleged harassment—and descriptions of a broader “culture of fear”—have damaged NAR’s brand and trust with agents. Industry reporting details multiple complaints, leadership resignations, and ongoing retaliation claims, all of which have pressured the organization to improve transparency and communication. Even NAR‑friendly analyses acknowledge the need for clearer messaging and member empowerment amid litigation and budget cuts. [realestatenews.com]
Where agents are going instead
Agents frustrated by dues, desk fees, splits, and limited support are flocking to Non‑Realtor Member brokerages that emphasize low overhead, transparent per‑transaction pricing, and direct MLS access where permitted—models popularized by Thompson Brokers and reinforced by cloud or fee‑based alternatives. In short, a mix of market conditions, legal changes, cost structures, and reputational issues is accelerating a structural shift: agents are choosing flexibility and value over legacy affiliation
👉 Ready to stop paying for legacy dues and desk fees?
Visit ThompsonBrokers.com to download the free Opt‑Out Guide, see how Easy Realty structures per‑deal costs, and get onboarding help today.
Note: MLS access policies vary by market; Easy Realty will help you navigate local requirements so you stay compliant while maximizing your take‑home.
