One thing that matters most about the NAR settlement is this basic understanding: lots of media swirled around this story, and what you may have heard or read at different times may not be accurate. So getting precise information matters first.
News media stories across many outlets can exaggerate, misconstrue, or even get things completely wrong. For a clear understanding of the facts, this informational resource directly from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) should prove helpful: NAR SETTLEMENT FACTS.
Additionally, the President of REAL, Sharran Srivatsaa, made a video explaining the practical implications of the settlement, to help buyers and sellers understand what has changed, and what has not, with the NAR Settlement. (It’s worth watching, and easy to watch, complete with hand-drawn illustrations.)
Note that Srivatsaa made this video just prior to the settlement changes going into effect in mid-August 2024, so when he talks about changes about to happen, he is referring to changes that are now in effect.
