A Year of Wins: How Your Advocacy Dues Fueled Big Victories in 2025

2025 was a landmark year for real estate advocacy—one defined by bipartisan cooperation, strategic pressure on federal agencies, and thousands of REALTORS® mobilizing when the housing market, the economy, and government gridlock made action more urgent than ever.

Thanks to your advocacy dues, the National Association of REALTORS® delivered meaningful wins that protected property rights, expanded access to homeownership, and strengthened the housing market. From preventing a prolonged government shutdown to advancing housing supply legislation and securing tax relief, the results were tangible and far-reaching.

Here are the highlights of what your investment made possible:

Keeping Transactions Moving During the Shutdown

One of the most consequential achievements of 2025 was securing an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program during the federal shutdown. Without intervention, more than 40,000 transactions per month risked being stalled or canceled.

NAR mobilized quickly, coordinating:

• a nationwide call for action,

• targeted outreach to every congressional office,

• more than 80 high-level meetings on Capitol Hill and at the White House,

• and unprecedented media exposure—2 billion impressions reinforcing the economic urgency.

This work was instrumental in reopening government functions and preventing cascading damage to the real estate market.

Regulatory Victories That Lower Costs and Expand Access

Advocacy didn’t stop at Congress. NAR pushed hard on executive agencies, weighing in on more than 20 major regulatory proposals that could have impacted lending, housing supply, and affordability.

Key accomplishments included:

• Opposing Basel III revisions that could have raised borrowing costs in high-cost markets.

• Advocating for federal land development to address inventory shortages.

• Supporting expanded credit scoring criteria to include utilities and rental payment history.

• Advancing clarity on wetlands regulations to unlock developable land.

These efforts demonstrate the value of having expert voices in the room before regulations become mandates.

Housing Legislation Gains Bipartisan Momentum

2025 saw unprecedented legislative movement:

• The Real Estate Caucus grew to 122 members, including its first U.S. Senator—showing a new level of congressional alignment around housing issues.

• The VA Home Loan Reform Act protected veterans’ ability to use real estate professionals.

• Major supply-focused bills advanced, including the Road to Housing Act and tax credits for commercial-to-residential conversions.

• Trigger leads—long a consumer concern—were effectively curtailed with the Home Buyer’s Privacy Protection Act.

• Significant REALTOR® tax provisions were secured in major tax legislation, including:

  • permanent mortgage interest deduction,

  • expanded SALT relief,

  • higher standard deductions,

  • and provisions that support down payments and career paths in real estate.

These bills showcased bipartisan agreement on housing—an encouraging precursor to more progress in 2026.

Legal Advocacy that Protects Property Owners

NAR also advanced members’ interests in the courts:

• Filing briefs in support of property owners in takings cases.

• Securing an important fair-use victory allowing floor plans to remain in listings.

• Continuing engagement on eviction moratorium fallout and landlord compensation.

• Preparing for rent control and takings litigation expected in 2026.

Legal wins often fly under the radar—but they have lasting impact on day-to-day practice.

Powering Elections, Voter Engagement, and PAC Leadership

Advocacy dues fueled measurable political strength:

• A 68.9% win rate for supported candidates in 2025.

• 62 issue mobilization grants totaling $8.3M on matters from property tax relief to zoning.

• More than 100,000 advocacy messages delivered through the Advocacy Everywhere program.

• RPAC closed in on 90% of its annual goal, while the new pro-property platform gave members a powerful way to support candidates directly.

These programs ensure REALTORS® have a voice not just during crisis—but continuously.

Building Communities and Advancing Fair Housing

NAR expanded its work beyond legislation and into community-level impact, including:

• Nearly $4.4M in community development grants across 49 states.

• Strong partnerships with the MLK Memorial Foundation, NFHA, and local justice organizations.

• Support for the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act—protecting generational wealth and heirs’ rights.

• Consumer advocacy and financial education programs through the American Property Owners Alliance.

These investments reflect a broader vision: homeownership opportunity should be attainable, equitable, and protected.

A Preview of 2026

The final advocacy win of 2025 was forward-looking: a strategic plan for 2026 grounded in housing affordability and supply expansion.

Momentum is building. Congress held its first full housing hearing in years—with REALTORS® not only invited, but driving the conversation. Bipartisan leaders signaled readiness to address inventory, affordability, and tax barriers.

All this points to a defining legislative year ahead.

Your Investment Made These Wins Possible

Every policy change, every regulatory improvement, every election win was fueled by REALTORS® investing in advocacy.

The bottom line: When REALTORS® show up, the market benefits. Consumers benefit. Communities benefit. And the American dream of property ownership becomes more accessible and more secure.

Thank you for supporting the work that protects your business—and the rights of property owners nationwide.

SOURCE: NAR