Cheers to 118 Years: NAR Milestones and Impact on Real Estate in America

May 13, 2026 - 03:39

For 118 years, the National Association of REALTORS has stood as a central pillar of the American housing market. What began as a small gathering of real estate professionals in 1908 has grown into the nation's largest trade association, influencing everything from ethical standards to federal housing policy.

The organization's earliest milestone was the adoption of a strict Code of Ethics in 1913. This was a radical move at the time, promising that members would put their clients' interests above their own. It set the stage for the term "REALTOR" to become a symbol of professionalism rather than just a job title.

Through the Great Depression, NAR pushed for long-term mortgage financing, which eventually led to the creation of the Federal Housing Administration. In the postwar boom, the association helped standardize the multiple listing service, turning a fragmented system into a cooperative network that made buying and selling homes far more efficient.

Later decades saw NAR fighting for tax policies that favored homeownership, such as the mortgage interest deduction. It also became a fierce advocate for private property rights, often clashing with government efforts to impose rent control or restrictive land-use laws.

Critics note that the association's lobbying power has sometimes prioritized agent commissions over consumer savings, particularly in recent antitrust battles. Still, its influence is undeniable. From the first home buyer's guide in the 1950s to modern digital lockbox systems, NAR has consistently pushed the industry toward greater transparency and efficiency.

Today, with over 1.5 million members, the association faces new challenges: the rise of iBuyers, commission lawsuits, and a generation of buyers who question whether traditional agents are still necessary. Yet after 118 years, NAR remains the dominant force in American real estate, for better or worse.