Brooklee Han on what's happened since the NAR settlement deadline
Aug 21, 2024
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Brooklee Han, a savvy reporter covering real estate, dives into the effects of the NAR settlement deadline on the industry. She discusses how agents and brokerages are adapting to new regulations that took effect on August 17. The conversation reveals the mixed responses from MLSs regarding buyer broker compensation and the challenges agents face amid inconsistent policies. Additionally, they explore how agents can better educate clients in this evolving landscape and highlight the emerging American Real Estate Association as a new competitor within the industry.
The recent NAR settlement changes have created a more uniform operating environment for agents and brokers, simplifying transactions and communication.
Increased consumer inquiries necessitate that agents educate buyers and sellers about the new regulations and their implications for real estate transactions.
Deep dives
Reactions to the NAR Settlement Changes
The recent changes stemming from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement have led to a sense of relief and a collective sigh of relief among real estate agents and brokers. The new rules, effective as of August 17, 2023, mean that much of the chaos caused by various implementation deadlines across multiple Multiple Listing Services (MLS) is now behind them. Most agents and brokers, despite some initial confusion, are now operating under a more uniform set of rules, which is expected to simplify transactions and improve communication among professionals. However, those MLSs that chose not to opt into the settlement continue to present challenges, potentially leading to inconsistencies in practices that could confuse agents and clients alike.
Navigating Consumer Questions
As the implications of the new rules become more widely known, real estate agents are facing an influx of questions from consumers eager to understand how these changes could affect them. Many sellers may see the new regulations as an opportunity to save money, while buyers are left uncertain about the costs they might incur. Agents are now tasked with proactively educating both buyers and sellers about these changes, ensuring that they understand not only what’s required by law but also the broader implications for property visibility and competitive pricing. This heightened need for communication emphasizes the importance of agents being prepared to guide existing clients through potential adjustments to their agreements.
Industry Resources and Alternatives to NAR
In response to the evolving landscape following the settlement, various brokerages are stepping up by providing resources to help agents navigate the new environment. Keller Williams has launched a comprehensive resource guide that includes interviews, worksheets, and educational materials, which are made available to agents industry-wide, fostering collaboration among different brokerages. Meanwhile, the emergence of the American Real Estate Association offers an alternative to NAR, with new membership options that highlight a growing desire for change within the industry. The ongoing developments, including the appointment of a new CEO at NAR and the potential shift in membership affiliations among agents, suggest a period of significant transition that will shape the future of real estate associations.
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Reporter Brooklee Han about how agents and brokerages are handling the changes that went into effect on Aug. 17 as part of the NAR settlement. The two also discuss resources available to agents and news about both NAR and the upstart trade organization that seeks to supplant it.
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