In the latest Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered episode, James Dwiggins speaks with Jason Haber, co-founder and president of the American Real Estate Association (ARA). Although Keith Robinson was away, the conversation explored accountability, advocacy, education, and the future of the real estate industry.
From Politics to Real Estate
Jason Haber’s path into real estate was unconventional. He began his career in government and politics in New York City before entering the business through his aunt, Tony Haber. His background gave him valuable insight into public policy, leadership, and the importance of addressing difficult issues directly.
Jason became more widely known through the NAR Accountability Project. After reading allegations reported by The New York Times, he expected substantial public discussion. Instead, he was surprised by the silence.
He launched an online petition calling for leadership changes. The petition quickly grew from a few signatures to thousands. The effort eventually contributed to several changes within NAR, including leadership departures and the implementation of three of the project’s four recommendations. The story illustrates an important lesson for every real estate agent, real estate broker, and industry leader: meaningful improvement requires people willing to speak up.
Creating a New Association
The American Real Estate Association was created with the goal of elevating the profession and supporting agents. Jason explained that ARA aims to become an organization agents choose to join, not one they feel obligated to join.
ARA has grown from approximately 10,000 members to roughly 30,000. Support from RE/MAX and Compass International Holdings has helped create additional momentum, while Jason continues emphasizing the organization’s independence and agent-focused mission.
ARA’s priorities include:
- Connecting agents with policymakers and thought leaders
- Creating original continuing education
- Expanding local chapters
- Improving communication throughout the real estate brokerage community
- Developing federal and state lobbying efforts
- Encouraging agents to become more politically informed and engaged
Education That Connects to the Market
One example from New York highlights ARA’s approach to education. The organization created original coursework focused on postwar urban development and the evolution of New York City.
The goal was not simply to meet real estate courses requirements. Instead, the coursework was designed to help agents better understand the communities where they work.
That kind of education can complement traditional topics such as real estate laws, real estate taxes, real estate financing, real estate prices, real estate trends, and real estate listings. It can also help agents better serve clients searching for real estate for sale, exploring real estate investing, or learning about real estate investing for beginners.
Advocacy and the Future
Jason praised NAR’s federal lobbying operation while explaining that ARA intends to build its own advocacy capabilities. He believes agents have substantial influence but often fail to use it.
In New York, Jason cited an election where only 30 of 250 agents in a room voted. That example demonstrates the importance of participation for real estate agents near me, real estate companies near me, and professionals throughout the country.
Whether professionals follow real estate blogs, listen to real estate podcasts, read real estate books, attend real estate events investing, or explore investing in real estate, informed participation benefits the entire real estate market. As real estate technology continues reshaping the business, agent voices will remain essential. The future may include new models involving a real estate franchise, the NextHome real estate franchise, or evolving approaches to real estate investment real estate brokerage.
Through the work of Jason Haber, James Dwiggins, Keith Robinson, and the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered team, the conversation around accountability, competition, and leadership continues moving the profession forward.
