The origins of the NAR lawsuit go back to a case from the 1990s.   Do you have questions about the recent lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors? This decision could affect how home buying works in the future. To understand how we got here, I want to take a step back and see why the old buyer agency agreement existed in the first place. The concept emerged from a class action lawsuit against Edina Realty in Minnesota during the early 1990s. Buyers and sellers took legal action because buyers working with agents from the firm were purchasing properties while other agents wit ..read more

   Understanding the things that a Realtor is obligated to disclose to buyers.   As a homebuyer, knowing the ins and outs of a property can make all the difference in your decision-making process. Today, let’s delve into the concept of material facts—critical information that realtors are obligated to disclose to their clients. “Maintaining trust and transparency is paramount in real estate transactions.” Material facts encompass a wide array of details that could significantly impact a property’s value or desirability. Here are some examples of what you should expect to be info ..read more

   Understanding the things that a Realtor is obligated to disclose to buyers.   As a homebuyer, knowing the ins and outs of a property can make all the difference in your decision-making process. Today, let’s delve into the concept of material facts—critical information that realtors are obligated to disclose to their clients. “Maintaining trust and transparency is paramount in real estate transactions. “ Material facts encompass a wide array of details that could significantly impact a property’s value or desirability. Here are some examples of what you should expect to be inf ..read more

In light of the recent NAR settlement, it is important to revisit why buyer agency started in the first place. It started because of another class action lawsuit back in the early 1990s. Buyers and sellers sued Edina Realty in Minnesota because buyers were working with agents in their firm on the purchase while other agents in the firm listed the property.  Today, this is what we call “Dual Agency”.  At that time there was no buyer agency.  The agent working with the buyer in that situation was technically a “Subagent to the Seller.” The issue in this case was there were no rul ..read more

To sum this up succinctly is not possible.  The case is complicated as are the requirements coming out of it.  There hasn’t been just one case. There have been many class action lawsuits over the past few years against NAR claiming that the association rules allow for the overpayment of commissions by the seller given that the commission is paid by the seller at closing. In reality this is not true.  While it is true that the commission for both the buyer and seller agents come from the sellers side of the equation, the seller would not be able to pay this unless the buyer boug ..read more

 Let’s go over what the current Triangle Area real estate market is doing.   With inventory hitting historic lows and the population in the Triangle area steadily growing, prospective buyers and sellers alike are facing a unique set of challenges and opportunities.   Since 2007, the population in the Triangle has surged by an impressive 110%, while inventory has plummeted by 76% compared to its peak in 2008. This scarcity in housing options has persisted, with inventory down by 4% from this time last year, marking eight consecutive years of undersupply.   Despite the dwindli ..read more

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the size of your current home? Are you ready to simplify your life and downsize to a more manageable space? Downsizing your home can be a liberating experience, allowing you to declutter, reduce expenses, and focus on what truly matters. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of downsizing and provide practical tips to help you through the process. The Benefits of Downsizing: Financial Freedom: Downsizing can lead to significant cost savings. A smaller home typically means lower mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills, freeing up more money for s ..read more

 Explore how solar panels can significantly enhance home value. Today, let’s address a common question in the real estate market: Do solar panels add value to a home? Contrary to what some may believe, solar panels do enhance a home’s value. There’s a misconception that solar panels do not add value to a property. This idea is fundamentally incorrect. The challenge lies in understanding how to properly assess their value. Homeowners typically install solar panels to cut down on energy costs and to make a positive environmental impact by reducing their carbon footprint through renewable ener ..read more

 Here’s what you need to know about major solar panel savings. I have exciting news for North Carolina residents who are considering solar panel installation. Starting May 2024, Duke Energy customers installing new solar panels and a battery system can qualify for a power pair rebate of up to $9,000 to $3,600 for solar and $5,400 for batteries. Combine this rebate with the 30% federal solar tax credit, and your savings soar to 52%! It’s a great time to explore solar with battery backup. The program is limited to 6,000 homes statewide, so act swiftly. Applications open in May 2024. To apply, e ..read more

 Here’s what you need to know about major solar panel savings. I have exciting news for North Carolina residents who are considering solar panel installation. Starting May 2024, Duke Energy customers installing new solar panels and a battery system can qualify for a power pair rebate of up to $9,000 to $3,600 for solar and $5,400 for batteries. Combine this rebate with the 30% federal solar tax credit, and your savings soar to 52%! It’s a great time to explore solar with battery backup. The program is limited to 6,000 homes statewide, so act swiftly. Applications open in May 2024. To apply, e ..read more