Industry Expert Steve Murray on the implications of NAR’s commission lawsuit settlement
Mar 15, 2024
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Industry expert Steve Murray discusses the implications of NAR's $418 million settlement on commission lawsuits in the real estate industry. Topics include changes to compensation offers, potential for new business models, and concerns over DOJ's role. The settlement may lead to commission compression, but savings for homebuyers may not lower prices.
The settlement restricts compensation offers via MLS, leading to potential commission compression in real estate industry.
Buyers may face challenges with changes in agent representation, potentially leading to confusion and increased costs.
Deep dives
Impact of Settlement on Brokerage Models
The settlement agreement between NAR and home sellers involves a payment of 418 million and raises questions about how it could affect the real estate industry, particularly real estate brokers. One significant change is the restriction on offering compensation via MLS listings, potentially leading to commission compression. This shift may prompt brokerage firms to explore new business models, such as providing transaction management services for buyers at flat fees.
Buyers' Challenges and Industry Adjustments
Buyers might face challenges due to changes in agent representation and compensation. The settlement requiring buyer agency agreements and limiting commission offers through MLS listings could impact buyers' costs and representation. This shift may result in buyers needing to navigate the home purchase process more independently, potentially leading to confusion and increased costs for buyers.
Uncovered Brokerages and Future Industry Dynamics
Privately owned brokerages not affiliated with major franchises like Keller Williams or Remax and exceeding 2 billion in 2022 sales volume are not covered by the settlement, leaving them unprotected. Around 80 to 100 brokerages could fall into this category, requiring them to assess their potential liabilities and consider actions to align with the settlement terms. The settlement raises questions about the future of brokerage business models and the need for industry players to adapt swiftly to changing regulations.
We are dropping a breaking news episode in your feed today as Steve Murray of RTC Consulting joins us to discuss an important update in the class action commission lawsuits brought by home sellers across the nation.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has settled for $418 million and will make several policy changes, pending court approval. This proposed settlement has several implications for the real estate industry, including the removal of compensation offers from the MLS. Murray talks about the potential for more commission compression as well as the possibilities for new business models, additional brokerage services and the future of NAR and state associations.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
The settlement in the class action commission case has several implications for the real estate industry, including changes to compensation offers.
The settlement opens up possibilities for new business models, with big brokers having an advantage.
The billions in savings for homebuyers is a myth. Murray explains why it will not lower home prices.
The settlement is seen as a significant development in the industry but it remains to be seen how it impacts the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) concerns over offers of broker compensation.
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