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Washington state could provide guidance for others on buyer broker agreements

Housing Wire

Based on NAR’s settlement, agents working with buyers will need a signed buyer representation agreement starting in mid-July, pending final court approval of the settlement. Bills Clarke said this is exactly how agents already work with sellers, so it shouldn’t be a big deal to implement buyer agreements into a business. “We

Buyers 479
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Consumer advocacy group: Buyer agency agreements often contain “unfair” terms

Housing Wire

As brokerages across the country have begun implementing buyer agency contracts into their business practices in the wake of the Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit verdict, the Consumer Federation of America is warning consumers that they may be filled with “unfair provisions” that primarily protect agents and brokers.

Buyers 424
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Buyer agency contracts riddled with ‘unfair’ terms, CFA declares

Inman

The Consumer Federation of America, a watchdog group, examined 43 contracts from 37 states, most from state or local Realtor associations, and found practices it believes worthy of scrutiny.

Contracts 197
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WATCH: The importance of reading your contracts

Inman

Frances Katzen and Courtney Poulos talk with moderator Dana Cadena about the importance of buyer representation, understanding your contracts, professionalism in the industry and more at ICNY.

Contracts 172
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$188M Palm Beach estate — the city’s priciest — goes into contract

Inman

acre man-made island, and went into contract on Monday. The negotiated price and the buyer's identity are still unknown. The estate sits alone on its own 2.3-acre

Contracts 195
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Opinion: Sitzer/Burnett decision presents an uncertain future for buyer agents

Housing Wire

Real estate agents are facing a contracting issue that could seriously upend the traditional housing landscape. Under current guidelines, sellers pay a 5-6% commission on a sale which is split between the buyer and listing agents. But what happens if consumers pivot away from buyer agents altogether? Enter the savvy seller.

Agents 450
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‘Find buyers before agents!’ Mortgage industry reacts to the NAR settlement

Housing Wire

These housing professionals have been gaming out the potential impact on buyers’ agents – a significant source of referrals. Loan officers and mortgage executives expect home sellers and homebuyers to negotiate more aggressively on commission paid to buyer agents, potentially bringing costs down.

Buyers 504