Real Estate: Navigating Market Change & Consumer Focus
Sue Yannaccone discusses adapting to real estate market changes, prioritizing consumer needs, agent value, and the impact of the NAR settlement. Focus on control and future.
Real Estate Settlement: Claims, Approvals, and Key Players
Millions of insurance claims filed in real estate negotiation class, resulting in a $1.04 billion settlement fund. Approvals met with little resistance. Key brokerages and companies are involved.
Jacobi vs. Reffkin: Real Estate Industry Debate & NAR’s Future
Jacobi and Reffkin clash publicly over private listings, signaling industry change. Jacobi urges NAR to empower local MLSs. He cautions Compass's private network could backfire, but forecasts a stronger, decentralized NAR.
Realtor Fees Lawsuit: Diaz vs. NAR – Antitrust Allegations
John Diaz sues NAR, alleging anticompetitive subscription fees violate antitrust laws. The suit challenges fees for non-Realtor licensees, claiming it hinders participation and disadvantages smaller brokerages.
Hate Speech & Real Estate: Ethical Limits and Community Protection
Hate speech in real estate endangers communities & violates ethics. Realtor speech must have limits to protect safety & ensure equal housing access, especially for vulnerable groups. NAR's role in fighting discrimination.
Real Estate, MLS & Trust: Scott on Exclusives & NAR
Scott discusses MLS value, agent trust, and NAR's role in real estate. He emphasizes complete exposure for sellers and addresses privacy concerns in listings. $1.8B/yr market investment.
Real Estate Regulations: Texas & Florida Bills Impact Industry
Texas and Florida bills target real estate regulations, impacting agent conduct and association membership. The bills raise concerns about free speech and fair housing compliance. Focus on hate speech and discrimination.
NAR Mandatory Membership Challenged by Brokers
Brokers challenge NAR's mandatory membership policies and subscription fees in multiple states, arguing they should not be forced to pay inflated fees to access MLS listings after the NAR settlement.
Commissions rebound following post-settlement decline
Following the August rule changes, commissions for both buyer and seller agents fell, but they have since rebounded, according to an AccountTECH study that analyzed more than 224,000 transactions from 1,290 real estate offices.
How to help buyers understand appraisals and inspections
The consumer guides, published on NAR's "facts" page, cover a variety of subjects aimed at educating buyers and sellers, including settlement-related topics, questions to ask agents and transaction details.
First-time homebuyers may not be who you expect, NAR says
Don't forget to study: NAR advises first-timers to seek out the help of a real estate professional (naturally), but reminds consumers to do their homework before deciding on an agent.
NAR doing a good job, associations say; MLSs aren’t so sure
However, the report also included calls for NAR to "modernize its approach and focus on remaining relevant in an evolving industry, particularly by addressing the concerns of its members and ensuring stronger leadership moving forward."
NAR to consumers: Agents must put client interests first
In its latest guide, NAR doesn't address the new rules directly but explains what it means for agents to act in the best interest of buyers and sellers.
Buyers beware: Some agreements appear to violate NAR terms
Some brokerages — including giants like eXp and Anywhere — are advising their agents to use proprietary forms and avoid those from state associations, largely due to concerns with length, legal jargon and provisions that could be deemed unfriendly to consumers.
Real estate pros deeply dissatisfied with NAR
The overall takeaway, T3 Sixty said, was that survey results "indicate a clear need for NAR to improve its communication and support efforts, address leadership and organizational issues and provide comprehensive training and resources."