Realtor.com, the official consumer website of the National Association of Realtors, is on the hunt for what will be the first chief economist in its 18-year history.

NAR had previously barred Move Inc., which operates realtor.com under an exclusive license with NAR that dates back to 1996, from hiring a chief economist to interpret housing market trends.

The trade group employs a stable of analysts, including NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, who help Realtors interpret housing trends for their clients.

“As the real estate industry and our relationship with realtor.com continue to evolve, both organizations agreed that two voices are stronger than one,” NAR spokeswoman Sara Wiskerchen told Inman News.

The hire will give the portal a seat at the real estate media table now occupied by Zillow and Trulia, who have had chief economists since 2009 and 2011, respectively.

Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries and Trulia’s Jed Kolko have become high-profile sources in media stories and housing forums, which gives their firms added exposure and credibility with consumers.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2014/02/28/with-nars-blessing-realtor-com-is-on-the-hunt-for-its-first-chief-economist/#sthash.e8YafuNp.dpuf