NAR’s Response to the Sitzer Burnett Lawsuit: Jump Ship or Grab A Bucket
Nov 8, 2023
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The hosts discuss NAR's response to the Sitzer lawsuit and the potential impact on agents and brokers. They express frustration with NAR's lack of planning and communication. They speculate on the future of realtor associations and MLSs and discuss the potential consequences of breaking away from NAR. They also talk about negotiations, potential settlements, and the implications for realtors. They discuss CatchMark's interaction with the Department of Justice and a political candidate who could defund the deep state.
NAR's lack of a post-verdict contingency plan has raised concerns about its leadership and ability to handle the Sitzer lawsuit fallout.
The communication between the attorney representing the plaintiffs and the Department of Justice suggests the DOJ's active involvement in the case and potential intention to separate the MLS from NAR.
Speculations about NAR's strategic use of Realtors Property Resource (RPR) to establish non-realtor-controlled MLSs adds an intriguing dimension to the industry's future changes.
Deep dives
NAR's Lack of Post-Verdict Contingency Plan Raises Concerns
The recent podcast episode discusses the surprising revelation that NAR did not have a post-verdict contingency plan in place after the Sitzer lawsuit. This lack of preparation and communication raises concerns among MLS execs and local associations who are now questioning NAR's leadership and ability to handle the situation. The absence of a clear plan may prompt some MLSs and locals to consider distancing themselves from NAR and exploring alternative options.
Catchmark's Discussions with Department of Justice
The podcast episode reveals that Catchmark, the attorney representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against NAR, has been in communication with the Department of Justice throughout the entire process. This suggests that the DOJ has been closely monitoring the case and potentially influencing its direction. It adds to the growing speculation that the DOJ is actively seeking to divorce the MLS from NAR and dismantle the current system.
RPR's Role and Potential Implications
A conspiracy theory presented in the episode suggests that RPR (Realtors Property Resource), which was initially viewed as a Trojan horse for a national MLS, may have been part of NAR's strategy all along. The theory speculates that NAR planned to use RPR to establish non-realtor-controlled MLSs, thus weakening the MLS associations' dependence on NAR. This theory adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing developments and potential future changes in the industry.
Implications for Agents and Brokers
While agents are advised to stay calm and focus on their day-to-day business, the episode emphasizes that brokers and MLS execs should be more concerned and proactive. With the potential for MLSs and locals to distance themselves from NAR, the need for strong leadership, contingency plans, and clear communication from NAR becomes crucial to maintain trust and stability within the industry.
The Department of Justice's Influence and Future Outlook
The podcast episode highlights the growing influence of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the NAR lawsuit. Catchmark's discussions with the DOJ imply that the DOJ has played a significant role in guiding the case and may have broader intentions beyond the current lawsuit. The episode raises questions about the future direction of NAR and the potential impact of the DOJ's involvement.
It’s been a rough week for the real estate industry and in the aftermath of the Sitzer Burnett lawsuit, what does it really mean for everyone in the industry? Tune in to this episode of Industry Relations as Rob and Greg break down NAR’s response to the lawsuit. Find out why Rob believes a lot of people will abandon NAR and why Greg feels that this shouldn't be the spark that sets everyone off.
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