It’s hard to believe we’ve already moved through the first 160 days of the year. Summer is nearly here, the market is moving, and your association has been hard at work representing you, advocating for our profession, and planning for an impactful year ahead.
Whether you’ve been listing, showing, teaching, or leading—thank you for the work you do every day as a REALTOR® in West Virginia. Here’s what’s been happening and what’s coming next:
📈 Market Momentum in the Mountain State
The real estate market in West Virginia continues to hold strong:
Average home value (as of April 2025): $167,589 — up 6.4% year-over-year
Median sale price: $207,967
Active listings statewide: 3,490
Median days to contract: 27 days
A couple Key Highlights:
Kanawha County saw a 7.0% increase in median sold price, reaching $175,750
Berkeley County (ZIP 25413) reached a median of $320,000, up 2.3%
The pace is solid, consumer interest is steady, and REALTORS® remain central to helping buyers and sellers navigate a changing landscape. Dr. Yun presented a reserved yet positive forecast for real estate at the NAR Brokers Summit.
🏛 Advocacy That Works for You
Legislative activity has kept our Government Affairs Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Ray Joseph, incredibly busy this spring. From updates on wholesaling and license law to reciprocity legislation, Ray has been working around the clock to make sure your voice is heard in Charleston. Be sure to check out his update for more details and don’t forget for quick, relevant updates, follow Ray’s posts on TikTok and other social platforms—he’s breaking down the issues in real time, keeping advocacy accessible for all members.
🗓 Recent Events & What’s Next
We had a great turnout for our first quarterly meetings at The Greenbrier—thank you to everyone who joined us! If you missed it, we’ve got another exciting opportunity just ahead:
🎤 June 24–26 – WVAR Summer Meetings at Rocky Gap
Join us for three packed days of networking, collaboration, and education—including a keynote from Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS®. This is a great chance to engage with fellow members and refresh your business mid-year. We are planning many fun events for you to enjoy and look forward to continuing the momentum.
⚖️ Legal Notice: Compensation Subpoena
Recently, our colleagues at Greenbrier Valley Board were served with a federal subpoena—not a lawsuit, but a request for documents likely connected to the national conversation around buyer and seller compensation. If your board receives a similar request, please notify the WVAR office immediately so we can connect you with support, legal guidance, and unified messaging.
🧭 MLS Changes Coming: Are You Ready?
The new Seller’s Choice policy and changes to Clear Cooperation are coming down the pipeline fast, with a required implementation date of September 30, 2025. If your local MLS or brokerage hasn’t yet begun preparing, now is the time. WVAR has talking points and FAQs to assist, and we encourage you to visit Facts.REALTOR for national context and compliance tools. Questions? Reach out to Ray, myself, or the WVAR staff—we’re here to help.
🤝 Your State Association Is Here to Help
We are more than just a name on a letterhead—we are a resource. If you want a speaker for your local event, support for your leadership team, or simply need clarity on upcoming changes, don’t hesitate to call, text, or email. Ray and I are both happy to show up, plug in, and support the good work you’re doing at the local level.
💬 Final Thoughts
The first 160 days of 2025 have reminded me why I’m so proud to be a REALTOR® in West Virginia. Your resilience, professionalism, and passion for the work we do are unmatched.
As we head into summer, let’s continue to celebrate, educate, and elevate—together.
See you soon,
Josh McGrath
President
West Virginia Association of REALTORS®
