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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 456
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Real estate commission dispute? Do this.

Housing Wire

Over the past year or so, we have seen an uptick in questions relating to commission disputes between brokers and their clients. A typical commission dispute arises when, after signing a listing agreement or buyer-broker agreement: A seller-client “cancels” a valid purchase contract. A seller-client cancels a listing.

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Q2 AgentPulse survey: Low inventory is greatest challenge

Housing Wire

When asked about the language they use to discuss how buyer and seller agent commissions are paid, some of the most common responses included stressing that commissions are and always have been negotiable, and that if the National Association of Realtors’ settlement is approved, some practices may change, but many things are currently unknown.

Inventory 421
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Washington state could provide guidance for others on buyer broker agreements

Housing Wire

1, 2024 , Washington state’s agency law requires agents to have a written agreement with buyers (as well as sellers) to spell out the exact scope of the services provided by the agent, as well as the compensation the client has agreed to pay them in return. As of Jan. It is kind of like dating,” Sax said. “So,

Buyers 479
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CMLS looks to weigh in on the DOJ’s statement of interest

Housing Wire

The first change is that MLS PIN is agreeing to obtain certificates from their seller clients saying that they understand that MLS PIN does not require sellers to offer compensation to buyer brokers and that sellers are not required to compensate the buyer’s broker even when asked to by the buyer.

Sellers 432
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Commission lawsuit: HomeServices files motion for judgment as a matter of law

Housing Wire

A judgment as a matter of law is permissible if there is no legally sufficient basis for a reasonable jury to find for the nonmoving party (in this instance, the plaintiffs) on the issue. In addition, the contract stipulated that agents must join their local Realtor association.

Law 432
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‘Worst possible outcome’: Industry experts weigh in on DOJ’s desire to decouple commissions

Housing Wire

Worst-case scenario, the broker representing the buyer will have to negotiate their own fee with their client and the seller can no longer be compelled to make a blanket offer of compensation in order to list on the MLS,” Murray said. Nearly six months later, Murray stands by this assertion.

Sellers 421