FNHW Blog

For Homeowners & Realtors

Sign In           Register

real estate

A Quick Explanation of the Clear Cooperation Policy

by

If you've been paying attention to recent industry news then you'll be familiar with the latest kerfuffle in the real estate world: Clear Cooperation. In 2020 the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) adopted a national policy known as Clear Cooperation. On its surface, it was a response to further answer the call for fair housing. But it also came with a number of strings attached, most notably the mandate to put all new listings on the MLS or face stiff fines and penalties. Now that NAR has inextricably landed in the high beams of the DOJ, it's not surprising that the policy of Clear Cooperation has come under its scrutiny. And more notable still is the amount of disagreement--both for and against the policy--among industry professionals. So if you're scratching your head and wondering … [Read more...] about A Quick Explanation of the Clear Cooperation Policy

Why You Should Care About Appliance Limit Upgrades

by

If your eyes glaze over when you hear the words "appliance limit upgrades," you are not alone. What even is that? you might be asking yourself. And why should I care? It's a somewhat unexciting topic, to be sure, until you are faced with phone calls from clients you just sold a high-end home to. Unfortunately, that built-in sub-zero refrigerator just broke down and now your clients are faced with a $10,000-$20,000 replacement bill right after closing on their dream house. Not a happy moment. But being able to calmly tell them to call the home warranty company you so thoughtfully chose for them is worth gold. And that is why you should care about appliance limit upgrades. Here's the skinny on appliance limit upgrades: … [Read more...] about Why You Should Care About Appliance Limit Upgrades

How Real Estate Became a “Thing” in the United States

by

Many of us take for granted our right to own a home. And most of us are also unaware of how government-backed loan programs help us achieve homeownership. Referred to as "The American Dream," homeownership has become a rite of passage in this country. But history tells us widespread property ownership is a fairly recent phenomenon. Today, owning real estate is still recognized as the best way to build intergenerational wealth while also enjoying a secure place to live. Best of all, the right to own property is protected by our U.S. Constitution. Here's how real estate became a "thing" in the United States: … [Read more...] about How Real Estate Became a “Thing” in the United States

How to Leverage the New Buyer Agreements

by

Today's real estate landscape is radically evolving due to the recent NAR Settlement. This is particularly true for how you as an agent working with buyers should handle the newly mandated Buyer Agreement (abbreviation in this article will be BA). Although BAs are not new, they were often overlooked in practice, except in some states that required them by law. As a result of the NAR Settlement, BAs will now be required for all "MLS participants" that are "working with" buyers. Come August, you as a buyer's agent must have your buyers sign an agreement of compensation before you can show them homes. And the biggest change is that it is now the buyer's responsibility to pay you directly, rather than the seller. This represents a radical change in the industry which has for decades placed … [Read more...] about How to Leverage the New Buyer Agreements