The real estate industry continues to evolve as more disruptive changes are lurking.
Last year’s NAR Settlement changed how buyer-agents and their buyer-customers work together. I wrote about it in my blog throughout 2025.
But the latest possible disruption may affect consumers more than agents.
*** What’s in question is the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP). This policy requires Realtors to list their properties on Multiple Listing Services (MLS’s) within 24 hours of signing a listing agreement. It’s intended to promote transparency, limit pocket listings and provide a level playing field for all Realtors and their customers.
Real estate industry critics note that builders don’t have to abide by Clear Cooperation rules. That puts homeowners at a disadvantage. The longer a home is listed on the MLS, the more likely the value of their home will decline.
At stake is transparency. Agents who promote listings to the widest possible audience serve the best interests of buyers and sellers. Buyers deserve equal access to all available properties, and sellers deserve the broadest possible exposure.
If they repeal this real estate industry policy it’d be in the best interest of brokerages to create walled gardens. Supporters of changing CPP are large brokerages seeking a competitive advantage in the real estate industry. One is already implementing changes and using it in their marketing tool bag.
As of today, talks about modifying, keeping or eliminating CCP is being tossed around. If it heats up, I’ll keep you abreast of all the details.
What do you think? Should the Clear Cooperation Policy remain in force?
Major Update on Last Year’s Real Estate Industry Change
*** After the NAR Settlement began last August 17th, real estate industry opponents said real estate commissions would crash. They called it “commission compression.”
It was a wide belief that sellers would no longer pay buyer-agent commissions and pressure the buyer to pay their agent’s compensation.
In hindsight, it was a policy change to be more transparent with buyers on how commissions are paid. It helped engage buyers in the negotiation process by eliminating the need for a seller to disclose how much of the buyers compensation they (may) pay.
So far, conversations with buyers is more open and negotiation dialog is more thorough. With this, it’s been a good thing for consumers and the real estate industry.
But have commissions fallen? Look at the graph below.
Buyer-side commissions (red line) took a slight drop right after the settlement, but have come back. Today, commissions are higher than before the settlement.
Agents with lots of real estate industry experience believe commission rates will climb from here. Specifically for buyer-agents. That’s due to the direct negotiations agents and their buyers have as Florida’s market is a buyers market. And with that, buyers have the upper hand to negotiate. This is a trend that will be in play for all 2025.
(Top Photo: Volunteering for The City of Delray driving the Vice-Mayor in last weekend’s St. Patrick’s Days Parade)
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*** Are you thinking about buying in a prime location for your future real estate portfolio? One where city money will be flowing by the millions? If so, check out this property
*** Did you get tickets for next Monday’s Savor The Ave? Savor The Avenue is a world-renowned culinary experience that features downtown Delray restaurants offering a four-course meal while raising funds for a local nonprofit organization. If you didn’t, still come out and see how Delray likes to party in style!
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*** South Florida Real Estate Industry Inventory is ABOVE 2019***
Last week’s supply was 61,586
Today’s supply is 62,346
Supply was UP 760 units last week
*** That’s a rise of 8,074 or 15% in 2025 ***
