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NAR Statement on DOJ’s Withdrawal from Settlement Agreement Regarding MLS Rules

Louisiana REALTORS • July 19, 2021

In an unprecedented move, the Department of Justice withdrew its consent to the settlement agreement reached in 2020, which had resolved issues raised by the DOJ about brokerage commissions and the MLS system. Please see below for the official NAR statement on the matter:


“This is a complete, unprecedented breach of agreement by the Department of Justice to withdraw its consent from a fully negotiated settlement that had been approved by the head of the Antitrust Division and we had begun to implement. The National Association of REALTORS®’ rules and policies have long sought to ensure fair and competitive real estate markets for home buyers and sellers. Grounded in our commitment to act in the best interests of buyers and sellers, we regularly update our rules and policies to protect consumers and provide transparency. NAR has fulfilled all of our obligations under the settlement agreement and now DOJ is inexplicably backing out. If the Department does not live up to its commitments under the terms of the agreement, we are confident in our pro-consumer and pro-competition policies.”


Additionally, Leslie Muchow, NAR Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs and Antitrust Compliance, issued the video statement below:

Watch Video Statement

Please note that the FAQ and other information on the page above were posted prior to the withdrawal of the DOJ from the settlement and are no longer valid.


Furthermore, on Monday, July 19, NAR President Charlie Oppler wrote an op-ed, which was published by RISMedia promoting the real estate industry’s compensation model and multiple listing service while explaining their pro-consumer benefits.


"Commissions for real estate agents and brokers are negotiable. Always have been. Always will be. Let’s put that on the table right now,” Oppler writes in the op-ed, which was published by leading industry publisher RISMedia on Monday. “It’s the free market at work, and the reality is that the commission structure gives everyday Americans critical advantages they otherwise wouldn’t get. That structure is what ultimately makes it possible for many people to realize the dream and benefits of homeownership.” Click here to read the entire piece >>

Consumer Guide Update: Homeowners Associations

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 21, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on homeowners associations (HOAs). This guide covers the basics of what prospective buyers need to know, including who runs HOAs, how monthly fees are applied, rules HOAs enforce, and the pros and cons of living in an HOA community. For additional information, we encourage you to check out this REALTOR® Magazine article on the nuances of how homeowners associations can affect real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Property Taxes Preparing for Homeownership Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover navigating multiple offers.
Louisiana Real Estate Legislation Advocacy: How REALTORS® Can Make a Difference

Louisiana Real Estate Legislation Advocacy: How REALTORS® Can Make a Difference

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 17, 2025
Discover how REALTORS® play a key role in legislative advocacy, ensuring that real estate rules and regulations protect brokers, clients, and the market. Learn about the benefits and opportunities they provide.

Consumer Guide Update: Marketing Your Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 14, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on marketing a home. This guide covers several methods for sellers to consider, including setting up showings, hosting open houses, and maximizing the visual appeal of a home through staging and/or cosmetic updates. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Property Taxes Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover homeowners associations.
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