Opinion
Stephen Brobeck, senior fellow at Consumer Federation of America, examines the aftermath of the Sitzer | Moehrl commission settlement and what it means for the industry's future
Some real estate leaders say the focus on Clear Cooperation stems from the recent commission lawsuits. But others see a deeper question about brokerage profits at the heart of the issue
Officials from the National Association of Realtors are meeting this week to discuss the so-called pocket listing ban — one of the industry's most polarizing rules
Opinion
Anthony Lamacchia said threats of severe penalties for commission violations leveled by plaintiffs lawyer Michael Ketchmark and Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate are 'unnecessary'
The Consumer Federation of America raised eyebrows and hackles with its advice to pay only the equivalent of a 2% commission for both real estate purchases and sales
The Consumer Federation of America also tells consumers not to agree to pay an agent just to see a home, but to sign a touring agreement with no financial obligation instead
A new draft seller contract that eXp Realty is distributing to its brokers and agents is largely consistent with a newly issued set of criteria from the Consumer Federation of America
After brokerages and MLSs reached out, the Consumer Federation of America created criteria focused on whether agreements are readable, understandable, and fair to buyers
The California Association of Realtors says even though offers of compensation among brokers remain legal, members and their clients should not rely on 'historically common practices'
The second report by the Consumer Federation of America to focus on the California Association of Realtors in as many weeks examines the association's 7,000-word homeseller listing agreement
New report shines light on buyer representation agreements as brokerages and Realtor organizations move to update forms and comply with legal settlements this summer
After the National Association of Realtors announced its proposed commission settlement in March, mainstream media covered the historic news with mixed results, an Inman analysis shows
Anthony Lamacchia thinks some agents are reading too much into guidance issued by Fannie and Freddie confirming that sellers can continue to pay buyer's agents' commissions
Fannie, Freddie and FHA say sellers can continue to pay commissions to buyer's agents. But what if buyers want to pay their agent themselves and finance it into their mortgage?
That includes benefits for first-time homebuyers, who might be better served by inexperienced agents. But some benefits require changes from mortgage lenders, consumer watchdog says