Since the announcement of the proposed settlement with the National Assoc. of Realtors (NAR), the media has erroneously made several claims about what it means for sellers and buyers. Below are some thoughts to help clarify.

1. The settlement does not lower home prices. Home values are based on supply and demand - not what a seller pays for commission. Prices have increasingly gone up because there are fewer homes for sale and more buyers.
2.  There is no mandate on what Realtors can charge for their professional services. Commissions have always been negotiable. What will change is the offer of compensation to a buyer's agent can't be posted in the MLS.
3.  Sellers can elect not to pay buyer agent compensation. However, buyers may write into any offer a contingency requiring the seller to cover the cost or other concessions to compensate what they pay their buyer agent.
4.  Written buyer agency agreements will now be required for all Realtors working with buyers. NH has been requiring this for many, many years.

"This will be a time of adjustment, but the fundamentals remain: Buyers and sellers will continue to have many choices when deciding to buy or sell a home, and NAR members will continue to use their skill, care and diligence to protect the interest of their clients."

Contact me if you would like to work with a Realtor who will always look after your best interests and consistently stays on top of the changing real estate landscape.

Donna Forest M: 603-731-5151 donna@donnaforest.com Follow her on Facebook