Kentucky, W. Virginia move to ban exclusive, right-to-list agreements

New laws enacted to prevent the use of Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services — or NTRAPs — are sweeping the nation as critics decry alleged deceptive and predatory practices. Continue reading

Brokerage firm MV Realty has been barred from North Carolina

MV Realty was under scrutiny for deceiving homeowners in financial distress into signing exclusive listing agreements that lasted 40 years in exchange for cash. Continue reading

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my: The Download

This week: There are some bad actors out there. It’s up to you to protect yourself and your clients from fraudsters, scammers and cybercriminals. Continue reading

NAR raises alarm on floor plan use, vacant lot scams, ‘unfair’ contracts

Charlie Lee, the National Association of Realtors’ senior counsel, spoke on legal issues impacting agents at the MLS Association Executives Session at the Realtors Legislative Meetings on Sunday. Continue reading

Massachusetts orders halt to MV Realty’s 40-year listing contracts

Preliminary injunction in Massachusetts says “homeowner benefit agreements” are actually high-interest mortgage loans and can no longer be offered or enforced until case is resolved. Continue reading

Utah 1st state to ban long-term listing agreements enforced by lien

Legislation expected to go into effect April 1 addresses allegedly deceptive tactics employed by MV Realty and was based on a model bill drafted by American Land Title Association. Continue reading

MV Realty halts ‘homeowner benefit agreements’ amid 4 investigations

Following lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida and Ohio, the brokerage is redrafting 40-year contracts that offer homeowners cash in exchange for exclusive rights to list their home. Continue reading

Ohio 4th state to sue MV Realty over allegedly ‘shameful business model’

Ohio is the latest state to file suit against MV Realty for deceptive practices following probes by regulators over its “homeowner benefit agreements” in Florida, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Continue reading