NAR Report Reveals Realtors' Views on Sustainability in the Housing Market

Sustainability is a hot topic, but are real estate agents taking action? A new report from NAR sheds light on the current state of sustainability in the housing market.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently released their 2025 Realtors® Residential Sustainability Report, which surveyed Realtors® on their views and practices regarding sustainability in the housing market. The results showed a divide between the importance placed on sustainability and the actual implementation of sustainable practices.

The report found that 70% of respondents believed promoting sustainability in their communities was important, but only 40% had actually developed a sustainability program for their business. This disconnect raises questions about the role of real estate agents in promoting sustainable living.

One of the main barriers to implementing sustainability practices was the perceived cost. Many agents expressed concerns about the extra expenses involved in incorporating sustainable features into their listings. However, the report also found that 59% of respondents believed that homes with sustainability features would have a higher resale value, indicating that there may be potential for long-term financial benefits.

Another interesting finding from the report was that although 86% of respondents agreed that energy efficiency was an important factor for buyers, only 45% actively promoted energy-efficient features in their listings. This suggests a missed opportunity for agents to educate and inform buyers about the benefits of sustainability.

In response to the report's findings, NAR President John Smaby stated, "NAR and our 1.4 million members are committed to promoting sustainability in all