Home Mortgage Alliance Corporation (HMAC)

A new day in real estate: Realtor rule changes promise transparency and choice for homebuyers

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Published Date 8/19/2024

Winds of change are making their way through the real estate industry as a groundbreaking set of rules governing how most real estate professionals conduct business in the US officially recently took effect. These changes, agreed to by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as part of a $418 million settlement, are designed to transform the way Realtors get paid and who pays them, marking the largest change to the organization's rules in at least a generation.

As reported by CNN’s Samantha Delouya, Kevin Sears, NAR's president, emphasized the positive impact of these changes: "These new rules help to further empower consumers with clarity and choice when buying and selling a home. I am confident in our members' abilities to prepare for and embrace this evolution of our industry and help to guide consumers in the new landscape."

The first of these big changes affects commission transparency. Seller's agents will no longer advertise commission fees to buyers' agents on multiple listing services — changes that aim to prevent "steering" and ensure that homes are shown based on client criteria rather than commission rates.

Delouya explains how the second change deals with buyer representation agreements, saying that buyers must now sign a legally binding representation agreement with their agent before touring homes. This agreement informs buyers about agent compensation and emphasizes that commissions are fully negotiable. Along with that comes commission caps — specifying that a buyer's agent cannot receive more compensation than initially agreed upon, even if a seller offers more.

These changes underscore the invaluable role of Realtors in navigating the complex real estate landscape. As trusted advisors, Realtors are now better positioned to provide transparent, client-focused services that align with the best interests of buyers and sellers alike.

In an effort to assist consumers and agents in experiencing the least amount of friction going forward, many brokerages are already adapting to these new rules by creating flexible, short-term contracts. As for long-term benefits, experts believe these changes will ultimately benefit consumers. The new rules are expected to foster a more competitive market, potentially leading to more diverse service offerings and pricing structures.

As the real estate industry adapts to these new rules, the true value of professional Realtors shines through. Their expertise, market knowledge, and ability to navigate complex transactions become even more crucial. Buyers and sellers can look forward to increased transparency, more negotiating power, and a real estate process that truly caters to their needs.

CNN, TBWS

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