After brokerages and MLSs reached out, the Consumer Federation of America created criteria focused on whether agreements are readable, understandable, and fair to buyers. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
New report shines light on buyer representation agreements as brokerages and Realtor organizations move to update forms and comply with legal settlements this summer. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
That includes benefits for first-time homebuyers, who might be better served by inexperienced agents. However, some benefits require changes from mortgage lenders, consumer watchdog says. Continue reading
The Consumer Federation of America, a watchdog group, examined 43 contracts from 37 states, most from state or local Realtor associations, and found practices it believes worthy of scrutiny. Continue reading
Consumer watchdog CFA hails federal agency’s proposal to ban sellers from making compensation offers as a “major watershed” in promoting more competition in real estate. Continue reading
Agent “glut” means part-timers are now the majority, leading to “widespread incompetence and pressure to maintain high commission rates,” according to the Consumer Federation of America. Continue reading
Agents with five or fewer sales a year took in an estimated 25-30 percent of all commission income in three disparate markets, according to an analysis of MLS data by the Consumer Federation of America. Continue reading
Consumer Federation of America: Despite an NAR rule change, only Redfin displays buyer-agent compensation in virtually all of the major cities examined. Continue reading