FMR Members: 

 

In light of the recent news of the National Association of REALTORS® proposed settlement, a plethora of information is circulating through national and local media, across the internet, and on the social media feeds of agents and business partners across the nation.

 

It’s easy to get caught up in the headlines, speeches, and stories; many of which have been misleading.  The daily practices here in North Dakota and Minnesota, aren’t necessarily the same practices that exist in other states, which makes it that much harder for us to understand how this could have happened in the first place.

 

Now, more than ever, it is important that you hold yourself to a very high standard of professionalism.  Now, more than ever, it is important to remember that you don’t just represent yourself or the brand where you hang your license.  You represent every single REALTOR® in this association and beyond.  

 

Local leadership and local associations across the state are learning of secret cross-brokerage meetings being planned to mastermind and share how you, as practitioners, intend to move forward after the settlement.  Please consider the optics of such meetings, taking into consideration what could be deemed as anti-trust activity.  

 

At a minimum, I would implore you to go to your broker to learn how your office intends to move forward.  Your broker is responsible for the things you do and say.  Do not put them in a position they would not be ok with as a knee-jerk reaction to mass hysteria online.  The business practices of one office are the decision of that broker and may not translate to another office.  The business practices and policies are your broker’s responsibility.

 

Our professionalism and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics dictate how we conduct our businesses.  They are what set us apart.  Remember, you can never take your REALTOR® hat off.

 

Understanding the terms of the settlement are important. NAR President Kevin Sears has released a series of emails and videos regarding the settlement. You can also go to facts.realtor and competition.realtor for further resources.  

 

Locally, the North Dakota Association of REALTORS® is hosting a “Membership Update on NAR Settlement Agreement” this Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.  If you haven’t registered yet, please find the registration information below.

 

As always, thank you for the role you play in helping people.  The work you do is important and lawsuits and settlements will not change that.  Let’s continue to do our best for our clients and communities.

 

Sincerely,

 

Maureen Bartelt

President

FM REALTORS®

 

 

 

Date: March 28, 2024

Time: 9:30 am CT

Location: Virtually via Zoom

 

 

Join NDAR for an all-membership update on the NAR Settlement Agreement, including extensive time for Q&A.