NAR president closes turbulent term with focus on consumers
After nearly two years in the role, Kevin Sears shared a parting message of community and reliance — and a mandate for members: “Hold our leaders accountable.”
HOUSTON — In his farewell remarks at NAR NXT 2025, Kevin Sears blended humor, gratitude and real talk as he reflected on an extended presidential term defined by upheaval, rebuilding and relentless travel.
But the message Sears told the crowd he wants to "shout from the rooftops"? The same one he's been emphasizing for the last year: "We are pro-consumer. Our history doesn't exist without consumers and our communities are not the same without homeownership."
Building connections: Realtors serve consumers not just through home purchases and sales, but through their presence in community life, Sears said, adding that 70% of NAR members volunteer.
"You care about your consumers. You sure do. They're your clients, but they're also your neighbors," he said.
"I talk to Realtors across the country, and no matter what corner of America they live and work in, they all have the same concern: How do I take care of my customer and client? How do I explain today's marketplaces and practice changes in a way that works for them?"
Those conversations weren't what kept Sears relentlessly criss-crossing the country, however.
Building trust, mile by mile: Sears began by acknowledging the weight of the role he stepped into 676 days ago — and the skepticism he felt from members early on as NAR faced the early departures of its CEO and two presidents, as well as allegations of a toxic organizational culture.
"You needed to trust us."
His response was to show up, and show up, and show up. In 2025 alone, Sears said he spent 258 days on the road, 217 nights traveling, and logged 162,000 miles, the equivalent of "six and a half times around the world." He visited 47 states, stayed in 64 hotel rooms, and met with approximately 37,700 members.
"You, our members, have been in the arena with me these past 676 days," Sears said. "What you've taught me all along is how resilient this profession is."
What's next? As he prepares to leave office — in "three days, two hours, 47 minutes," he jokingly specified — Sears urged members to take ownership of what happens next. The Executive Committee is voting this weekend on a new three-year strategic plan, he noted.
"Make sure this plan gets implemented… Let's hold our leaders accountable."