Inside the 2026 Broker Summits: How Real Estate Leaders Are Navigating Change

From recruitment strategies to risk management and advocacy, real estate leaders gathered at recent Broker Summits in Maryland and Michigan to tackle the biggest challenges—and opportunities—facing the industry today.

Hosted in collaboration with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), these events are part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen the connection between brokers and their associations while equipping them with tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.

“Listen, Learn, and Lead”

That guiding principle, shared by Mark Oegema, president of Michigan REALTORS®, set the tone for the Michigan Brokers Summit in Lansing.

“Our industry has never been more exciting and never more challenging,” Oegema told attendees. “Knowledge is the best way to create positive outcomes for our brokerages and our clients.”

With nearly 50 Broker Summits planned across the country this year, the focus is clear: collaboration, education, and forward-thinking leadership.

A Stronger Partnership With Brokers

At the heart of these events is a renewed emphasis on broker engagement. Sherry Chris, a special advisor to NAR, highlighted the organization’s commitment to listening to its members and evolving alongside them.

“I want to ask you to get involved,” Chris urged attendees. Through initiatives like “Power Hours,” brokers are encouraged to share feedback and shape the future of NAR’s Strategic Plan.

She also emphasized the importance of NAR’s “three-way agreement,” which connects local, state, and national associations—helping maintain professionalism and consistency across the industry’s 1.4 million members.

Elevating Professionalism in a Noisy Market

One message resonated strongly across both summits: professionalism matters more than ever.

With increasing complexity in real estate transactions, Chris stressed the importance of adhering to the Code of Ethics, staying informed on laws and regulations, and clearly communicating value to consumers.

The goal? Ensuring REALTORS® are recognized as trusted experts in a crowded and often confusing marketplace.

Recruitment and Retention: Building Stronger Teams

Broker panels at the Maryland summit offered real-world insight into growing and sustaining successful teams.

Industry leaders shared that resilience—not just experience—is key when recruiting new agents. Early-stage agents who push through the first challenging years often become long-term contributors to a brokerage.

Creating a strong culture also plays a major role. Some brokerages are investing in:

• In-office pre-licensing classes
• Mentorship programs
• Long-term professional development

These efforts are paying off, with many firms reporting high retention rates and agents celebrating decades-long careers within the same brokerage.

Staying Ahead of Risks

Beyond growth, risk management was a major topic—especially as fraud continues to rise.

Experts at the Michigan summit highlighted:

• Increasing financial crimes targeting older adults
• The importance of recognizing exploitation tactics
• The need for vigilance in transactions

Technology also took center stage, particularly the role of AI. Industry leaders encouraged brokers to distinguish between tools that genuinely improve efficiency and those that are simply distractions—a concept framed as “Tech vs. Toy.”

Advocacy in Action

Broker Summits also serve as a platform to highlight ongoing advocacy efforts that directly impact the industry.

Topics discussed included:

• Housing supply and zoning reform
• Property tax proposals
• Buyer agency legislation
• Consumer protection laws

In Maryland, recent legislative wins included streamlining earnest money deposit returns and eliminating restrictive homeowner agreements that complicated sales and refinancing.

Leaders emphasized that these advocacy efforts are essential—not just for the industry, but for protecting consumers and ensuring a fair, functional housing market.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 Broker Summits reveal an industry in transition—but also one that’s actively adapting.

Key takeaways:

• Collaboration is critical between brokers and associations
• Professionalism is a competitive advantage
• Strong culture drives retention and growth
• Risk awareness is essential in today’s environment
• Advocacy continues to shape the future of real estate

As brokers navigate an increasingly complex landscape, one thing is clear: those who stay informed, engaged, and adaptable will be best positioned to lead.