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FAQ and other information on the page above were posted prior to the withdrawal of the DOJ from the settlement and are no longer valid.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: Buying Land and Building a New Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 17, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on buying land and building a new home. This guide covers how to find land for sale, explains construction loans, and weighs the pros and cons of building a custom home. 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: Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Thank you for continuing to engage 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 property title theft.
5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals

5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals—And How a REALTOR® Can Help

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 16, 2025
Negotiating a real estate deal can be overwhelming, especially for buyers who don’t have experience with the process. Here are five key negotiation strategies smart buyers use—and how working with a REALTOR® provides a competitive edge.

Consumer Guide Update: Deeds and Titles

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 11, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on deeds and titles. This guide covers the difference between a deed and a title, common types of deeds, and title searches and insurance. 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: Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Thank you for continuing to engage 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 buying land / constructing a new home.
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