In a dramatic shake-up of the real estate industry, the American Real Estate Association (AREA) has officially launched its paid membership initiative, marking a pivotal moment for a sector grappling with recent controversies and leadership changes. Born from the ashes of discontent and aimed at reimagining industry standards, AREA offers a fresh alternative to the entrenched National Association of Realtors (NAR).
A Bold New Beginning
Co-founded by Jason Haber and Mauricio Umansky, AREA is stepping into the spotlight with a clear and ambitious roadmap. "We have to act as an industry. We have to do something," asserts Haber, reflecting the urgency driving this new venture. The association's membership initiative introduces two tiers: a basic membership for $20, covering the remainder of 2024 and all of 2025, and a premium "founding member" level priced at $1,500, which secures dues for the next decade. Founding members will also receive special recognition on the AREA website and exclusive event invitations.
"Keeping with the spirit of things — the membership is really 2025 dues while 2024 is free," says Haber, underscoring the association’s commitment to providing value and engagement right from the start.
Timing and Inspiration
The push for membership comes in the wake of recent changes to NAR’s settlement practices, which have fueled a sense of urgency within the industry. As the August 17 deadline for these changes approached, the call for reform grew louder. "We were getting more and more people not just signing up on our website, but voicing their desire for significant industry change," Haber explains. The NAR settlement has become a symbol of broader dissatisfaction with current practices, acting as a catalyst for AREA's formation and growth.
Supporters of AREA have driven the founders to rethink traditional membership models. "They want us to get there faster," Haber notes. The ambition is not just to challenge the status quo but to accelerate progress and implement meaningful changes in the real estate sector.
Charting a New Course
AREA’s emergence represents a critical juncture for real estate professionals seeking a new direction. By offering a streamlined membership model and positioning itself as a progressive alternative, AREA aims to capture the energy and frustration of those eager for reform. The association’s focus on inclusivity and innovation reflects a broader desire within the industry to overhaul outdated practices and embrace a more dynamic future.
As AREA sets its sights on transforming the real estate landscape, its success will hinge on its ability to attract and mobilize members who are passionate about driving change. With a compelling membership offer and a bold vision, AREA is poised to become a significant player in the industry’s ongoing evolution.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Most Popular
Comments / 0