To be able to do MLS searches you will need to be a member of NAR along with local associations as well and the MLS.

Until appraisers organize in a fashion similar to the NAR, all these problems with the appraisal profession will continue.

They said buy all the house you can for the payment you can afford (according to the lender).After this recession cycle is over (or maybe during) the NAR and NAMB need to really examine what fiduciary means.

Since everything has been moving remotely, the enormous fees agents have been getting has largely stayed in place due to the Lobbying powers of the NAR and belief that an agent can truly be the best financial option.  

Please note that only REALTORS® are required to adhere to the NAR code of ethics, and licensed agents that are not affiliated with NAR do not.  

My layman's understanding of NAR's long standing anti-Trust argument is that broker cooperation via the MLS increases competition, and thus good for the consumer. 

Your new agent also broke the law, tortuous interference, and the NAR code of ethics. 

I am NOT big on NAR or REALTOR.

The NAR published this report in December of 2019: Top ten Outperforming Metro Markets for the next 3-5 years and Columbus, OH was listed (https://www.nar.realtor/report...)!  

Some may require you to join NAR but that has nothing to do with NWMLS.