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West Central Association of REALTORS® believes in full transparency, and we are committed to ensuring our members are kept abreast of industry changes, the benefits of membership, and the evolution of Buyers Agency. WCAR provides the information below to help our members inform themselves and navigate through questions during this period.
Fact sheets on what the practice changes mean for homebuyers and home sellers. These resources—one for sellers and one for buyers—outline what buyers and sellers should expect after Aug. 17 and the value agents who are REALTORS® provide to consumers in these transactions.
A broker’s guide to upcoming practice changes. These slides provide an overview of the settlement, information on corresponding practice changes and implementation, and guidance on how to help consumers understand what these changes mean for them and their homebuying or selling transactions.
From late February through the end of the year, members can complete the course via a live interactive webinar or online at their own pace. Get Started Here
7.25.24 Governor DeWine Signs House Bill 466 Into Law: A New Era for Ohio Real Estate
6.11.24 The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs announced a temporary policy for VA buyers to pay their agents.
6.4.24 NAR releases three new podcasts for members navigating the settlement:
5.31.24 NAR releases new material to clarify issues, including steering (questions 46-49) and written listing agreement (questions 50-53). facts.realtor
5.31.24 WCAR releases updated MLS Rules and Regulations to users. A copy has been added to the Intranet section of the MLS.
5.30.24 FREE Webinar: The Future of Real Estate with Zan Monroe
5.23.24 Quarterly Broker Breakfast to review policy changes and new Commission form released from Ohio REALTORS®
5.16.24 Ohio REALTORS® releases new form – Buyer Broker Compensation Agreement
5.15.24 WCAR Board of Directors votes on MLS Policy Change Effective date – AUGUST 1, 2024.
5.14.24 NAR Legislative Meetings NOTES from Staff
4.29.24 Update re: Written Buyer Agreements See facts.realtor FAQ page questions 46 through 62.
4.24.24 Thank you Northwest Ohio REALTORS® and NORIS MLS, for sharing: Member Information Regarding NAR Settlement (1)
4.23.24 Ohio REALTORS® NAR Settlement Update Zoom Recording
4.23.24 Ohio REALTORS® NAR Settlement Update Presentation
NEWS Court Grants Preliminary Approval of NAR Settlement: MLSs and brokerages seeking to be released under the settlement agreement must act by June 18… READ ON
The term “Three-way Agreement” refers to the structure of the REALTOR® organization. This agreement was established among the National Association, the state associations, and local boards and associations.
Q: What is the Three-Way agreement?
A: The term “Three-Way Agreement” is the foundation of the REALTOR® organization, established among the national, state, and local associations. This agreement grants state and local associations the authority to control the term “REALTOR®” and “REALTOR- ASSOCIATE®”. In exchange, state and local associations must adhere to the Code of Ethics of NAR, enforce the Code of Ethics within their jurisdiction, and properly grant and regulate the use of the terms “REALTOR® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®.” The Three-Way Agreement means that local associations and their REALTOR® members are members of the state association of their local board, and NAR.
Q: Why is the Three-Way Agreement in place?
A: The Three-Way Agreement has been in place for more than 100 years and empowers the REALTOR® organization to use its combined resources and influence to have a unified, powerful voice in shaping public policy, setting recognized standards for ethical real estate practice, and contributing to the betterment of the real estate industry. This federated structure fosters unity and allows for a coordinated, collaborative approach on achieving our collective mission of protecting, preserving, and advancing property rights for all.
Q: Is it possible to only pay local and state dues and not NAR dues?
A: REALTOR® means member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Therefore, all REALTORS® belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and agree to abide by our Code of Ethics. In order to maintain REALTOR® membership, members must pay local, state, and national association dues and assessments. There is no ability to bifurcate membership between local, state, or national associations.
Q: I see that other brokerages are no longer requiring their agents to be members of NAR. How do I implement this change at my brokerage?
A: The decision to require agents to be members of NAR has always been at the discretion of the broker. NAR cannot and does not require brokers to mandate membership in the REALTOR® organization.
Q: Are there any REALTOR® associations that I can join that don’t require me to belong to NAR?
A: The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the National Association of REALTORS® and only local and state associations enforcing NAR’s trademark, membership qualifications, and Code of Ethics are considered REALTOR® associations. All local and state REALTOR® association members are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Q: What value does NAR membership provide?
A: NAR is the unrivaled advocate and resource in the real estate market for its members and their clients, and only NAR members can call themselves REALTORS®. NAR delivers value in the following ways:
– Advocacy
– Ethics and Professionalism
– Learning Opportunities and Resources
– Recognized REALTOR® Brand and Consumer Awareness – Unmatched Networking Opportunities
– Community Outreach
– Innovative Technology Tools and Resources
– Leading Economic, Research, and National Property Data – Legal and Risk Management Support
Q: What benefits will I lose if I no longer belong to NAR?
A: NAR membership includes robust benefits such as exclusive access to health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as savings on auto, home, and renters’ insurance. In addition to member discount programs, NAR offers business and marketing services, and unparalleled opportunities for learning through designation and certification programs. It’s important to remember that you will also lose the ability to use the term REALTOR®, and the distinction that is associated with it. For more information on all the many benefits of membership in NAR, please visit: https://www.nar.realtor/realtor-benefits-program.
Q: How does MLS access factor into my REALTOR® membership?
A: Many local REALTOR® associations own or operate an MLS. MLS participation is optional and criteria for participation is determined at the local level. Some local associations provide their MLS services only to REALTOR® members and some local associations provide their MLS services to non-members as well. We recommend checking with your MLS to verify participation requirements.
Q: Can I subscribe to the MLS without REALTOR® membership?
A: MLS participation is determined at the local level. Some local associations provide their MLS services only to REALTOR® members and some local associations provide their MLS services to non-members as well. We recommend checking with your MLS to verify participation requirements.
Q: NAR recently said that entering zero in the offer of compensation field would satisfy NAR policy. Must all MLSs permit zero in the field?
A: NAR has always advised that the participants and their clients are who determine the amount of the offer of compensation. The purpose of the rule is to effectively and efficiently communicate the amount the listing broker will pay a buyer’s broker for her work. It is the act of entering an amount – any amount – that satisfies the intent of the rule. This ensures MLSs to provide brokers and their clients information they need. Also, offers of compensation are always negotiable. In the recent class action lawsuits, Plaintiffs argue that such rule does not give sellers a choice of not offering compensation and NAR has responded that one penny is essentially the same as zero. Earlier this year, NAR issued guidance to MLSs that while NAR does not require MLSs to do so, the amount of zero would also comply with NAR’s rule regarding offers of compensation.
