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Earlier this month, IREM leaders and staff joined more than 12,000 real estate
professionals in Houston for the National Association of REALTORS® NXT Conference, one of the industry’s most anticipated annual gatherings. With 100+ speakers, dynamic education sessions, and an energized community of practitioners, the event offered a powerful platform for IREM to champion the priorities and perspectives of real estate managers nationwide.
IREM’s impact across NAR committees
IREM continues to play a central role within NAR, serving on 15 committees, boards, and forums. This presence ensures that the real estate management profession has a strong voice in shaping policies, thought leadership, and emerging trends. Throughout the week, IREM members contributed expertise to critical discussions, including technology, federal policy, and the evolving needs of both residential and commercial practitioners.
Spotlight on Innovation: Tech & Innovation Pitch Battle
IREM CEO and EVP Zack Wahlquist, FASAE, CAE, RCE, served as a judge in one of the most engaging sessions, the Tech & Innovation Pitch Battle. Contestants presented their cutting-edge solutions to real estate challenges in rapid-fire, four-minute pitches. With live audience voting and tough questions from the judges, the event highlighted tools and technologies that could soon influence property operations, resident experience, and business efficiency. For IREM members, it was an inspiring glimpse into the innovations poised to reshape the management landscape.
Property Management Forum: Risk, law, and leadership
At the Property Management Forum, William Cannon, Managing Principal at Offit & Kurman, led a practical discussion on navigating legal risk and challenging operational scenarios. His insights reinforced many of the real-world issues IREM members confront daily, from dispute resolution to compliance and helped attendees walk away with stronger strategies for protecting their assets, teams, and residents.
Single-family investment management committee: Policy pain points
IREM also participated in the Single-Family Investment Management Committee’s interactive policy survey. Attendees highlighted several recurring challenges impacting property managers and housing providers nationwide:
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Difficult and lengthy eviction processes
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Expanding rent control or stabilization measures
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Complexities surrounding emotional support animals
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Rising insurance costs
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Increasing limitations in tenant screening
These insights will help inform future policy conversations and advocacy efforts, areas where IREM continues to lead.
Commercial federal policy committee: Tax policy updates
In the Commercial Federal Policy Committee meeting, NAR Director of Federal Tax Policy Evan Liddiard outlined the implications in the recent tax reform bill. Key takeaways included:
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Permanence of the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction
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SALT deduction increases to $40,000 through 2029
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Permanent Opportunity Zones and a 12% increase to the LIHTC
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Expanded business interest deductibility
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Four years of 100% expensing for new factory buildings
Importantly, Liddiard confirmed that 1031 exchanges remain unchanged, an essential tool for many real estate professionals and their clients.
Exploring AI’s role in real estate
Finally, in one of the conference’s most forward-looking sessions, Matt Britton, Founder & CEO of Suzy and author of Generation AI, explored how artificial intelligence is transforming real estate. From marketing and operations to consumer expectations and asset value, Britton emphasized that AI isn't just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift.
As the conference wrapped, one theme was unmistakable: real estate management is at the center of the industry’s most important conversations. Whether guiding federal policy, evaluating new technology, or elevating professional standards, IREM continues to ensure that the voice of property managers is not only heard but actively shaping the future. Our presence at NAR NXT reinforces a simple truth—when real estate managers lead, the entire industry moves forward.
