In This Issue
GAD Institute Registration is LIVE: Registration is officially open for the 2025 GAD Institute in Charleston, SC.
Grants, Resources and MLS Policy Updates: Explore new NAR grant opportunities, policy toolkits, and hear from President Kevin Sears on the latest MLS changes.
What’s Ahead at RLM: Get the rundown on GAD-only events, a Smart Growth field tour, and other key sessions in D.C.
Virtual Events to Strengthen Advocacy: Mark your calendar for sessions on rural development, association value, and the May All-GAD Call.
Dates to Remember
- May 15: NAR Committee Application Closes
- May 20: AEI Year-Round Webinar, 1 PM ET
- May 28: All GAD Call, 3 PM ET
- May 31 – June 5: REALTORS® Legislative Meetings
- June 17: Rural Development Initiatives Webinar, 2 PM ET
- July 1: RCE Applicant Deadline
- July 22 – 24: GAD Institute (Charleston, SC)
Chair’s Letter
GAD Nation,
It’s May! Here in Indianapolis, IndyCar takes over the entire city as we gear up for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis 500.
The Indy 500 is more than a race – it’s a masterclass in precision, endurance, and teamwork. Does that sound familiar? Advocacy, too, requires a clear direction, nimble response to obstacles, and resilience to stay in the fight, lap after lap. Policy change doesn’t happen in a single pass – it takes strategy, stamina, and a little grit. Or a lot of grit.
We succeed by adapting quickly and staying focused on the long game, even at 230 miles per hour.
As GADs, we are most effective when we recognize we can’t navigate challenges alone. Whether you are a 1-person shop or have colleagues alongside working these issues, you have peers who get it, and you should lean on them for both energy and ideas. GAD Nation is your peer group – nearly 500 strong. (See how that worked out!?)
The Indy 500 celebrates boldness, and relentless pursuit. As leaders and advocates, we should do the same—not just to cross the finish line, but to move our communities forward. Our mission is clear. So, as we move through the spring and summer, I encourage you to refuel, strengthen your tenacity and, “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!”
Best,
What You Need to Know
GAD Institute Registration is LIVE
Registration for the 2025 GAD Institute officially launched. Make sure to register soon if you haven’t already. Register Here
Questions? Contact gadinst@nar.realtor.
June is Homeownership Month: Expand Access, Build Community
Host a housing fair, lead a policy summit, or partner on buyer education. Apply for a Housing Opportunity Grant to grow homeownership in your community. Explore REALTOR® Party Success Stories or the Housing Opportunity Toolkit. Questions? Christine Windle.
Housing Supply Frameworks Act Would Break Down Barriers to Housing Development
The Housing Supply Frameworks Act aims to address the U.S. housing shortage by encouraging local governments to reform restrictive zoning laws and streamline permitting processes, facilitating the development of affordable housing. The National Association of REALTORS® supports this bipartisan initiative, viewing it as a crucial step toward increasing housing inventory and improving affordability nationwide. Questions? Contact Tori Syrek.
NAR President Discusses New MLS Policy
Hear from NAR President Kevin Sears on the newly announced MLS policy, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, including details about the policy, how it came to be, and how it will benefit consumers.
REALTORS® Legislative Meetings
GADs, the following meetings and events are designated as ‘By Invitation Only’ but rest assured—all GADs are invited to attend.
Sunday, June 1
1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
GAD Briefing on Federal Issues
Monday, June 2
1:30 – 2:30 PM ET
GAD Meeting
Monday, June 2
2:30 – 3:30 PM ET
GAD Breakout Sessions (State & Local)
Monday, June 2
6:00 – 8:00 PM ET
GAD Reception
Wednesday, June 4
9:00 – 11:30 AM ET
GAD Professional Development
RLM | Smart Growth Field Experience Tour
The Community Outreach team is hosting a Smart Growth-focused field experience tour at the REALTOR® Legislative Meetings on Wednesday, June 4 from 12:30 – 3:45 pm. A limited number of slots are being held for conference attendees who are AEs or GADs. Register here.
Here are other noteworthy meetings to keep on your radar. This list will be updated leading up to RLM. Keep an eye out for the RLM Special Edition of the GADFly in late May.
Virtual Events to Attend
AEI Year-Round Sessions | Tuesday, May 20, 1 PM ET
Just as REALTORS® must continually redefine and communicate their value to clients, associations must do the same for their members. Learn how to clearly convey your association’s value, effectively communicate the importance of REALTORS® to consumers, and gain insights from AEs who are successfully reinforcing their association’s relevance in today’s market.
All GAD Call | Wed, May 28, 3:00 PM ET
Mark your calendar! The next All-GAD Call is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 at 3 PM ET. Missed April’s Call? View the recording here. (P/W: jM&9bb&&)
Enhancing Rural Development Initiatives | Thurs, June 17, 2:00 PM ET
Tap into the Rural Outreach Grant to help your association tackle rural priorities like broadband access, well and septic issues, and open space preservation. Learn how other REALTOR® associations are using this NAR grant to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Compliance Corner
Collecting and Forwarding Contributions – Time Limits
An association is required to forward contributions, along with the necessary recordkeeping information, to RPAC within the following time limits:
- Contributions of $50 or less must be forwarded within 30 days.
- Contributions exceeding $50 must be forwarded within 10 days.
- The time limit begins on the day the association or association representative receives the contribution.
- If a contribution is not forwarded within the specified time frame, it is considered impermissible and must be returned to the contributor.
- In such cases, the association must request that the contributor make a new contribution.
Best Practice: To ensure compliance, consider setting up a weekly forwarding process.
Questions? Contact Darby Thorne, Director of Political Compliance.
Compliance Corner is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.
#ICYMI
Advocacy Scoop: Fair Housing for All
Hosts Shannon and Patrick reveal the results of an exclusive new poll commissioned by NAR, focused on key tax reform issues impacting REALTORS®. From the SALT deduction to the mortgage interest deduction (MID), they break down what the data shows and how NAR’s advocacy efforts are using these insights to drive change on Capitol Hill. Plus, get a preview of the upcoming REALTOR® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Washington Report
- DOL Independent Contractor Rule Update
- White House Releases Proposed Budget
- FHA Shortens Exclusive Sales Period for Foreclosed Properties
- Executive Order Targets Disparate Impact Liability
- NAR Presents Key Recommendations to Modernize Federal Housing Programs
- NAR Joins State and Local Associations to Defend Associational Standing Before the Georgia Supreme Court
- Updates on FHA Changes to Residency Requirements for Program Eligibility
- Judge Allows HUD to Cancel Fair Housing Grants
REALTOR® Party News – May 2025
New Process for Reporting President’s Cup Goal Achievements
State and local associations should now submit Advocacy progress through NAR’s online submission forms—attach your documentation, and staff will review submissions monthly.
Don’t forget new Advocacy Goals were approved last Fall and are effect for 2025!
State President’s Cup – Proof of Achievement Form (Advocacy Only)
Local President’s Cup – Proof of Achievement Form (Advocacy Only)
Questions?
Advocacy Goals: Contact Victoria Givens
RPAC Goals: Contact NAR RPAC staff
NAR Research
Metro Areas with Top Price Gains in 2025 Q1
The top 10 metro areas with the largest year over year price increases all recorded gains of at least 10.2%, with the largest gain reaching 17.9%.
Instant Reaction: Jobs, May 2, 2025
In April, a total of 177,00 payroll jobs were added to the economy, with average weekly earnings of $1237.
By: Lawrence Yun
Existing-Home Sales in March 2025 Fell 5.9%
March 2025 sales of existing homes fell 2.4% from March 2024, and the national median existing-home price for all housing types reached $403,700.
By: Michael Hyman

NAR Grants and Resources
Consumer voices make your advocacy efforts stronger
Is your association tackling a policy issue that homeowners or potential homeowners should know about? The Consumer Advocacy Grant provides up to $25,000 to help you engage consumers and champion homeownership and property rights. Requests are reviewed monthly at 2 PM ET, and applicants must give a five-minute presentation.
Apply now or contact Erin Murphy at 202-383-1079 for details.
Aristotle System Overview for PAC Managers
Aristotle provides a comprehensive resource library for managing your associations activities. To register for a system overview training, please contact Jillian Ruize for more information. We host trainings on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 AM MST and the third Wednesday of each month at 11 AM MST.
Expert Advocacy Help When You Need It
The Land Use Initiative provides free expert analysis and talking points to counter harmful measures like transfer taxes, building moratoria, short-term rental regulations, and more. See how the East Tennessee Association of REALTORS® Tapped the Land Use Initiative Program to Defeat Proposed Down-zoning in Knoxville. Questions? Christine Windle.
REALTOR® Party Success Stories
Each month, state and local associations that achieved an advocacy win with the help of a REALTOR® Party grant or resources are highlighted in the REALTOR® Party Success Stories. March’s success stories include:
- Rural Outreach Grant Helps Indiana Association of REALTORS® Ensure Rural Residents Will Receive High Speed Internet Service
- Lebanon County Association of REALTORS® Uses Rural Outreach Grant to Host Responsible Growth Meeting for Municipal Managers
- Greater Nashville REALTORS® Boost Passage of Pro-Transit Referendum
- REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Advocates for Major Re-Zoning Initiative with Help from Land Use Initiative Program
- Expanding Fresno’s Art of Life Healing Garden: A Project to Enhance Community Livability
Upcoming NAR Events
Check out the list of events here to save the date for upcoming conferences.
REALTORS® Legislative Meetings (RLM) | Washington, D.C.
May 31 – June 5 | Registration is open.
2025 GAD Institute | Charleston, SC
July 22 – 25, 2025 | Registration is open.
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