Compass International Holdings has joined the American Real Estate Association, bringing its nationwide brokerage network into the emerging trade group. Under the agreement announced July 28, eligible agents and brokers at Compass’ company-owned operations can receive complimentary ARA membership through the end of 2027.
The partnership gives ARA a broader platform as it works to establish itself alongside the National Association of Realtors. Eligible Compass professionals, meanwhile, can evaluate the association without paying dues during the introductory period.
Compass brings national scale to ARA
Compass’ arrival builds on ARA’s recent efforts to expand its brokerage support. Jason Haber and Mauricio Umansky founded the association in 2024, and it has since established relationships with companies including Douglas Elliman, The Agency, and RE/MAX.
Compass adds considerably more reach. Following its combination with Anywhere Real Estate, Compass International Holdings’ portfolio includes @properties, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Century 21, Christie’s International Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Compass, Corcoran, ERA, and Sotheby’s International Realty.
Its owned brokerages and franchise businesses served a global network of more than 340,000 real estate professionals as of the first quarter of 2026. That companywide figure is not a count of agents eligible for the ARA offer, but it shows the scale of the brokerage group now supporting the association.
Compass Chairman and CEO Robert Reffkin framed the partnership as a way to expand agents’ choices while leaving ARA responsible for showing that its services are worth using. Neither Compass nor ARA has disclosed how many eligible professionals have enrolled or how the agreement has affected ARA’s total membership.
What the agreement offers Compass agents
Agents and brokers at company-owned Compass operations can opt into ARA membership at no cost for the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027. Franchise-affiliated professionals should confirm whether their office is included rather than assume the offer applies across all nine brands.
ARA says its priorities include advocacy, professional standards, networking, education, and greater agent involvement in industry policy. Some programs remain under development. The association says it plans to add digital courses and classroom training alongside other professional-development resources.
The agreement does not require agents to cancel another trade-association membership. Before making any changes, they should compare ARA’s current services with the forms, education, legal resources, insurance programs, technology, and local support included in their existing memberships.
ARA membership does not settle MLS access
Joining ARA does not automatically change an agent’s relationship with NAR, a state or local Realtor association, or an MLS. Membership and participation rules vary by organization and market.
In November 2025, NAR approved the repeal of several MLS policies tied to association membership, with the changes taking effect in January 2026. The update left decisions about nonmember MLS access to local organizations, so agents should verify their local MLS and association rules before canceling a membership.
Brokers and team leaders should explain which offices qualify, how agents enroll, and which benefits remain connected to existing memberships. For eligible Compass professionals, the complimentary period offers time to judge ARA by the services it delivers rather than the size of the partnership alone.