The Truth About the NAR Settlement

By Joshua Holt

Meet Joshua, a licensed real estate professional and accomplished broker. As the forward-thinking leader of the Holt Real Estate Team, he has forged a strategic alliance with Keller Williams and PLACE to deliver on Our Promise.

Are you curious about the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement and its impact on homebuyers and sellers? Lately, it’s been making headlines, often sensationalized by media outlets seeking attention. Unfortunately, this can lead to misinformation and fear among consumers. To set the record straight, here are a list of facts on the NAR settlement:

1. NAR faces scrutiny for past practices. The primary concerns revolve around broker commissions and consumer access to listing information. While it was announced that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) would remove the mandate for brokers to offer compensation when listing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the actual implementation indicates that the compensation requirement persists, although in a modified form. Specifically, brokers are no longer obligated to pay commissions to list on the MLS, but the compensation offer itself remains a component of the process.

Setting compensation for buyer’s brokers can widen the buyer pool, sparking competitive offers and possibly higher prices. Although NAR Settlements guarantee access to listing information, commission specifics are open to negotiation, allowing consumers to control their representation and payment terms.

2. Eliminating rules may cut costs, lower prices, and reduce rates. Removing specific commission regulations could add complexity to negotiations, potentially reducing expenses for homeowners and influencing commission rates. This shift might pose challenges for lower-income buyers in affording homes. Nonetheless, market dynamics, such as those seen in Utah with high demand and limited supply, predominantly dictate home prices, often resulting in price escalations.

3. This information concerns you. Understanding the NAR Settlement can be tough. If you hire an agent who isn’t well-informed, you might not get the best representation, which could end up costing buyers and sellers more money in the end.

Therefore, it’s crucial to hire experienced Realtors who can simplify the process and educate you on your choices. I offer valuable guidance to buyers and sellers, explaining all options clearly for your family’s best decision. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call me.