The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is offering agents, brokers and appraisers the opportunity to work together on critical industry and association issues. There may just be a committee that needs their experience and perspective.
Keisha Wilkinson, NAR’s senior policy representative on valuation policy, recently posted such an opportunity on the NAR website noting applications to serve on one of the NAR 2027 committees are open until June 24, and appraisers with an interest in NAR's policy agenda should consider applying.
“NAR has long been a powerful voice in advocacy, but many people don’t realize that NAR policy-creating committees are where policy decisions are debated and proposed to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors,” Wilkinson said in the post. “With enhancements to the committee selection process this year that stress merit and add transparency, now is the time for Realtors who are agents, brokers or appraisers to become a part of the solution.
NAR has dozens of committees in which members consider all aspects of real estate—from land-use to tax policy to valuation. Other committees, like communications, strategic planning and finance, focus on the work of the association.
Additionally, the post said as a minority group within NAR, real estate appraisers may be under the impression that they can only serve on one of the three committees with seats designated for appraisers by name.
However, there are currently only five committees at the national level that require broker or agent experience. All other committees are open to appraisers who are Realtors to apply.
“Many national committees require specific experience,” Wilkinson said. “For instance, the Commercial Federal Policy Committee requires experience in commercial real estate. The Data Strategies Committee requires knowledge of multiple listing policies and procedures, and the Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee requires knowledge of and working experience with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA) and rural housing.”
These are areas where NAR members who are appraisers with commercial, MLS, FHA, VA or rural appraisal experience are needed.
Other committees require prior service on local or state committees. NAR’s Land Use Property Rights and Environmental Committee, for example, requires at least two years of experience on the state or local level, according to Nar.
Appraisers who have experience with complex property rights issues and a history of state and local involvement could lend an important perspective to this committee’s work.
“Remember, agents, brokers and appraisers who are members of NAR are all Realtors working together for success,” Wilkinson said. “Committee service is a great opportunity to add your expertise and perspective to improve NAR for all members.”