In This Issue
- A Year of Wins: How Your Advocacy Dues Fueled Big Victories in 2025
- America’s first-time homebuyer is now 40 — a warning sign for the middle class
- Capitol Pulse: Kevin Sears Goes to Washington
A Year of Wins: How Your Advocacy Dues Fueled Big Victories in 2025
NAR is one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country, and 2025 was no exception! From Congress to the White House to state capitols and the courts, NAR Advocacy was everywhere. In this episode, Shannon and Patrick do a deep dive on the legislation, regulations and rulings that impacted housing supply and affordability, property rights and fair housing, and REALTORS®’ ability to run their businesses.
Listen to the full episode here!
America’s first-time homebuyer is now 40 — a warning sign for the middle class
NAR recently published new research data showing that, for the first time ever, the median age of America’s first-time homebuyer is now a new record: 40 years old.
To highlight why that’s a problem and what NAR Advocacy is doing to fix it, NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn shared an op-ed with The Hill.
In the op-ed, McGahn writes, “Our organization has been pressing policymakers for years to take this crisis seriously. We have advanced bipartisan policies that would expand access to ownership, promote more housing construction and unlock affordable supply: down-payment assistance for first-generation buyers, credit-scoring reform, assumable mortgages, modernized FHA and VA programs, and tax incentives for starter-home construction.”
Capitol Pulse
Kevin Sears Goes to Washington
In early December, Kevin Sears, immediate past president of the National Association of REALTORS® and a veteran real estate broker from Massachusetts, testified before the House Financial Services Committee in a marathon five-hour-long full committee hearing entitled “Building Capacity: Reducing Government Roadblocks to Housing Supply,” led by Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.)—the first full committee hearing on housing in several years.
In his remarks, Sears painted a stark portrait of America’s housing market: a nation where supply has collapsed, affordability is eroding, and the American dream of homeownership is slipping out of reach. “Every day, REALTORS® [members of NAR] watch families struggle to find homes that they can afford. These are families who have done everything right. They’ve saved for years. They have stable jobs. They have good credit. We constantly see teachers, nurses and police officers priced out of the very communities they serve,” Sears said of the affordability crisis.
Read more about the hearing here.
On December 16, the House Financial Services Committee held a markup on the bills discussed during the hearing. More information on that markup and votes on the bills considered can be found here.
How Cities Are Tackling Economic Woes
Facing budget pressures, local governments are rethinking how they fund essential services. The fall edition of On Common Ground explores how innovative municipalities are balancing budgets, fostering growth and creating opportunities that sustain local economies and the real estate market.
Housing Is a Bipartisan Issue
The Bipartisan Real Estate Caucus hit a milestone, with over 120 members (up from 50 total last year). This growth reflects the strength of NAR’s message and our powerful relationships on Capitol Hill.
RPAC Update
RPAC is making strong progress toward our 2025 goals, with 90% of our overall fundraising goal achieved so far. RPAC participation is also strong, with nearly 500,000 members participating so far.
The President’s Circle program has met and exceeded its participation goal for 2025, raising over $2.9 million for federal candidates with over 1,400 investors.
Just Launched: The Pro-Property Platform
Last month, we launched the Pro-Property Platform — a new way for REALTORS® and their communities to support federal candidates who champion homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate profession.Visit ProPropertyPlatform.com to learn more.
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The REALTOR® Party At Work
Advocacy Everywhere helps expand REALTOR® influence on public policy and boosts engagement in Calls for Action at all levels. In 2025 so far:
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RPAC Update
REALTOR® Party News
Community Outreach Rebrands to Community Development Advocacy in 2026
We’re excited to share the rebrand of Community Outreach to Community Development Advocacy, reflecting the program’s growth and expanded impact. REALTOR® associations aren’t just engaging communities—they’re shaping policy, driving housing solutions, and leading long-term community development efforts. The new name better captures this broader work and the advocacy role REALTORS® play in strengthening communities. More Info. Contact: Christine Windle.
Power Up 2026 Advocacy
Community Development Advocacy lead change webinar draws 250 registrants to learn the latest updates and engage in lightening rounds to gain insider tips from staff and GAD power users to maximize advocacy impact and support. More info. Contact: Hannah Dannenfelser.
Transforming Neighborhoods Applications Open for 2026
Associations are invited to apply to receive analysis, strategies and actionable recommendations to solve today’s top-of-mind real estate challenges through Transforming Neighborhoods, in collaboration with The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) Consulting Corps. More Info. Contact Hugh Morris.
Link Library
FlyIn.realtor: Advocacy talking points and priorities
[realtorparty.realtor/]RealtorParty.realtor: REALTOR® Party grants and resources
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyMission: How NAR is making housing more affordable, available, and accessible
NAR.realtor/AdvocacyWins: One-stop shop for advocacy successes
Washington Report: Policy updates
APOA: Where the Fight to Protect Property Rights Goes in 2025
Facts.realtor: Settlement information and resources
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