There is much discussion about Clear Cooperation these days. Is it viewed as a power move by NAR and MLSs, or is it truly an attempt to create a fairer playing field for buyers?
Whether you are refining your business model, mastering new technologies, or finding ways to capitalize on the next market surge, Inman Connect New York will equip you to take bold steps forward. The Next Chapter is about to begin. Be a part of it. Join us and thousands of real estate leaders on Jan. 22-24, 2025.
Every week on The Download, Inman’s Christy Murdock delves deeper into the top-read stories of the week to provide you with the insights you need to face Monday head-on. This week: There is much discussion about Clear Cooperation these days. Is it viewed as a power move by NAR and MLSs, or is it truly an attempt to create a fairer playing field for buyers?
Just when you thought things had settled down, real estate has a new controversy brewing. The focus now is on the National Association of Realtors’ Clear Cooperation Policy, with stakeholders lining up on different sides to debate its merits and shortcomings.
TAKE THE INMAN INTEL INDEX SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER
Introduced in 2019, Clear Cooperation was meant to enhance transparency and prevent brokerages from holding onto pocket listings to the detriment of consumer choice, with consumers referring to buyers in this context. Over the years, the policy has faced criticism for being overly restrictive and limiting seller options in how and when their properties are brought to the market.
With NAR under increasing scrutiny and brokerages and MLSs seeking new ways to showcase their value and efficiency, some industry leaders are pushing for Clear Cooperation to be reconsidered.
This week, Compass founder and CEO Robert Reffkin shared his thoughts on Clear Cooperation, stating that its intended benefits are overshadowed by the restrictions it imposes on homeowners’ consumer choice and agents’ obligation to uphold NAR’s Code of Ethics and state laws.
“By blindly complying with the Clear Cooperation Policy, Realtors risk perpetuating policies that could be more harmful than beneficial. Therefore, it is ethically necessary to challenge such policies in pursuit of practices that truly align with our professional duty to serve our clients,” Reffkin explained.
Regardless of your stance on Clear Cooperation, it is crucial to understand both sides of the major debates in real estate so you can adapt to any forthcoming changes.
Pulse: Why do you (or don’t you) want to see Clear Cooperation repealed?
From legal disputes to media discussions, Clear Cooperation is a hot topic. Have your say in this week’s Pulse survey.
EXTRA: Anywhere joins push to reform NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy
Meanwhile, having a range of strategies and best practices for working with buyers and sellers will ensure that no matter the new practices and rules that emerge, you will always have ways to serve your clients effectively.
16 incentives that may help sellers move their homes this
If you still have listings from the slow spring and summer, the current lower interest rates could provide a boost. Carl Medford shares tactics to help sell those homes as autumn approaches.
Don’t facilitate source of income discrimination by
Fair housing advocate Dr. Lee Davenport advises against discouraging sellers from considering FHA, VA, USDA, or DPA buyers.
Assist in expediting a sale while improving affordability.