The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to temporarily lift its ban on buyers directly paying for professional real estate representation until the agency deems it necessary to engage in a formal rulemaking process, a VA official said Tuesday at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference in New York. Although not an official announcement, the comments from VA Deputy Director of Policy Michelle Corridon were met with relief from the real estate industry, as the VA’s home loan guaranty is the only loan program with this explicit prohibition. Veteran buyers have limited options in situations wher ..read more

TPCAR member response to Call to Action regarding short-term rentals and rural zoning nets success At yesterday's Pierce County Council meeting, Resolution R2024-158s, drafted to include provisions which would have restricted short-term rentals (STR) and removed bonus density provisions for rural lands within the urban growth area (UGA), was amended after successful lobbying by TPCAR. The amended resolution includes a repeal of Amendment 7 (CPA 7), which restricted the use of accessory dwelling units as STRs. Both that item, and bonus density for rural housing, will now be included in a ..read more

This past weekend, the Plaintiffs’ counsel in the Sitzer v. Burnett class action lawsuit filed a Motion for Preliminary Approval of the proposed NAR settlement agreement with the federal court in the Western District of Missouri. Today, Judge Bough granted that motion which means that, as of today, the settlement agreement is preliminarily approved. Settlement class members are now enjoined from filling complaints or prosecuting any claims based on the type of conduct at issue in Sitzer-Burnett and the other settled Actions on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions against ..read more

The below information was shared by NAR in The Hub. We strongly encourage all members to create your Hub account to track updates and information provided by NAR. The recently announced settlement raised several questions regarding access to mortgages and the ability to finance agent commissions.  In short, under the settlement, buyers still have the same options when it comes to compensating their representative. That is, the listing brokers can compensate the buyer broker, the seller can compensate the buyer broker, or the buyer can compensate their broker directly.  Base ..read more

Following up on NAR’s March 15 announcement of a proposed settlement to end the Sitzer/Burnett class-action lawsuit, Washington REALTORS® has released a video update breaking down the three aspects of the proposed settlement and what their impacts are likely to be for real estate practitioners in Washington State. At a fundamental level, the proposed rules will place further importance on a buyer brokers’ ability to demonstrate the value that they’re providing for their client. New State law, requiring buyer brokers to have an agency agreement in place prior to providing real estate services ..read more

In the mood for a little spring cleaning? Whether you hire a house cleaning service or you prefer DIY, you know why a good “Spring Cleaning” is so important.  Spring is when we come out from the dark shroud of winter into the light and enjoy the blossoming trees and flowers. Spring is the season of “freshness.”  When you invest in Spring Cleaning, you bring that Spring freshness to your home!  In this article, you will learn why we feel better when we have done Spring Cleaning and how to do it like the pros. Spring Cleaning Improves the Air You Breathe Dust that accumulates ..read more

Written by Herb Daniels Battling the Downpour: How Western Washington's Rainy Season Impacts Homes and the Importance of a Home Inspection As the lush green landscape of Western Washington transforms into a canvas painted in myriad shades of gray, residents brace themselves for the onslaught of the rainy season. While the rain brings its own charm and contributes to the region's natural beauty, it also poses significant challenges, particularly for homeowners. From structural integrity issues to moisture-related problems, the rainy season can wreak havoc on homes. In this blog post, we ..read more

Unlocking the Power of Pre-Inspections: A Strategic Approach for Sellers By:  Jon Teabo, President of A-Pro Home Inspection Services In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, sellers are constantly seeking innovative ways to stand out in a competitive market. While the legal requirement to disclose property conditions is well established, savvy sellers are increasingly turning to pre-inspections as a proactive strategy to gain a competitive edge. As a seasoned home inspector, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that pre-inspections can have on a property's ..read more

What comes next after verdict in burnett v. nar? After an 11-day trial in the case of Burnett v. NAR et al, and only 2.5 hours of deliberation, the eight-person jury found the National Association of REALTORS® and other corporate defendants liable in the case with a recommendation that the defendants must pay $1.78 billion in damages. The judge in the trial has the option to award triple damages, in his final ruling, which is expected in several weeks. In court, NAR presented evidence that consumers are better off and business competition is able to thrive because of its rules and how wel ..read more

Navigating the Home Inspection Process By:  Jon Teabo, President of A-Pro Home Inspection Services The journey of buying or selling a home is an intricate dance, and one crucial partner in this endeavor is the home inspector. As REALTORS, you play an essential role in helping your clients prepare for a home inspection and facilitating a smooth transition in the real estate transaction. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with actionable advice and detailed insights to ensure your clients are well-prepared for the home inspection process. The Pre-Listing Inspection Ad ..read more