What does it actually mean to elevate the real estate industry? In this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, James Dwiggins sits down with Jason Haber, co-founder and president of the American Real Estate Association (ARA), for a candid conversation about challenging the status quo, creating stronger representation for agents, and where the organization goes from here. Jason shares how the NAR Accountability Project eventually led to the creation of ARA, which has grown from roughly 10,000 to 30,000 members. He also discusses support from major real estate organizations, including RE/MAX and Compass International Holdings, and why ARA wants to complement (not destroy) the work being done by NAR. They discuss: Why the American Real Estate Association was created What agents actually want from a trade association ARA's plans for federal and state lobbying Why competition could strengthen real estate advocacy Jason's vision for elevating professional standards Jason also explains why ARA isn't interested in becoming the "policeman" of real estate. Instead, he wants the organization to become a stronger voice for agents, improve education, encourage cooperation between brokerages, and help real estate professionals become more politically engaged. If you've been following the changes happening at NAR, the growth of ARA, or the larger conversation about who should represent real estate professionals, this episode offers a firsthand look at one organization's plan to help shape what comes next. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshaber/ To learn more about the ARA check out Instagram and online at americanrea.org. https://www.instagram.com/Americanreagents https://americanrea.org Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1 To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show send us an email: jessica@inman.com You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/ Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube - Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com. Link to Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/realestateinsiderspod/ Link to YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered Link to TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@realestateinsiderspod Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative. https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/ The views and opinions expressed on Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered are those of the hosts and guests in their personal capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of AGNT, Inc., eXp Realty, LLC, NextHome, Inc., or any of their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, or directors. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Elevating the Real Estate Industry 02:02 – Jason Haber's Journey Into Real Estate 06:42 – The NAR Accountability Project 12:54 – Why the Industry Stayed Silent 16:07 – Creating the American Real Estate Association 19:30 – ARA's Mission: Elevate the Industry 21:29 – What Agents Want From an Association 24:13 – How ARA Plans to Scale 25:31 – RE/MAX & Compass Join the Conversation 29:49 – Can ARA and NAR Coexist? 31:29 – What Jason Thinks NAR Does Well 32:04 – The Future of Real Estate Advocacy 34:30 – Will ARA Influence Industry Policy? 37:15 – Jason's Five-Year Vision 38:12 – Why Agents Need Political Influence