Two dozen years after entering the real-estate business, Mike McGrew is assuming a leadership role in an association that represents and works on behalf of more than 1.3 million of his colleagues.

McGrew, vice chairman for Lawrence-based Coldwell Banker McGrew Real Estate, has been appointed to serve a two-year term on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Realtors.

The appointment follows up on McGrew’s service as a regional vice president for the association in 2003 and as president of the Kansas Association of Realtors in 1998.

“Obviously, as one of 70 people, you’re not going to make a huge impact by yourself,” McGrew said. “As part of the team that’s leading the National Association of Realtors, I certainly hope to be a contributor to the real estate industry that’s been so good to all of us and the national economy.”

McGrew already serves the national association as chairman of its Risk Management Committee, reviewing legal cases against and on behalf of Realtors and agencies nationwide.

McGrew expects legal issues to remain at the forefront of the association’s efforts this year. The Department of Justice is suing the association, trying to force the organization to further open its online Multiple Listing Service to public consumption.

The expansive list provides details about properties listed for sale by other Realtors, and allows such agents to match properties with clients and otherwise do their business.

“There are a lot of complicated issues facing the industry right now,” McGrew said. “The MLS: Is it a public utility, or is it a business-to-business resource? It comes down to who owns those listings.”

McGrew argues that Realtors and brokers should retain full control of the listings, despite contentions from the antitrust division of the Department of Justice that opening up the expansive information to all interested parties – even competitors – would be better for consumers.

“But some of the things they’re trying to do, in the zealous nature they’re trying to do them, will end up being anticonsumer, when all the dust settles,” McGrew said. “But they like to keep a scorecard.”

As for the market itself, McGrew said, Lawrence’s residential sales have dropped about 15 percent this year, while sale prices have remained relatively flat. He expects sales and prices to be relatively flat for 2007, with mortgage interest rates staying low and the inventory of available properties remaining high.

McGrew certainly doesn’t expect the downturn of 2006 to continue in 2007. “Lawrence is too vibrant of a community.” he said. “It’s too dynamic of a market.”