The New York Times published a detailed investigation yesterday into the spending practices of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), raising significant questions about the organization’s leadership and its stewardship of member dues. The report, titled “Chauffeured Cars and Broadway Tickets: Inside the National Realtors Group,” written by Debra Kamin, explores what some describe as a culture of excess and self-interest within one of the largest trade associations in the United States.
The investigation reveals that NAR’s top executives and elected leaders have enjoyed a range of extravagant perks, from luxury hotel suites and first-class travel to private club memberships and even pet-sitting expenses. According to Kamin, former CEO Bob Goldberg, who resigned last year, received a compensation package that included a $1.2 million salary that grew to $2.6 million over five years, a $1,500 monthly car allowance, and paid pet care while on business trips. NAR officials defended these expenditures as necessary for the demands of leadership, but nonprofit law experts cited in the article raised concerns about potential violations of tax laws.
Adding to the controversy, NAR has faced mounting legal challenges, including a recent $418 million settlement related to a Missouri lawsuit over inflated commissions. Kamin reports that some REALTORS® feel abandoned by an organization that has historically promised to protect their interests. As real estate strategist Rob Hahn put it, “When N.A.R. gets its ass kicked in every lawsuit and then throws brokers under the bus, it’s like, what am I paying for?”
At MORE, REALTORS®, we understand the importance of upholding the original ideals of professionalism and integrity that once defined NAR. While the current controversies highlight systemic issues within the organization, they also serve as a reminder of why ethical and responsible leadership matters more than ever. At our brokerage, we set high standards for ourselves and the agents we work with, staying true to the spirit of Charles Chadbourn, who coined the term REALTOR® over a century ago.
