My Opinion regarding the current status of NAR lawsuits

My Opinion regarding the current status of NAR lawsuits & earned commissions for Realtors: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Affordability of housing:</span> My biggest concern is the affordability of housing now for the lower or middle class home buyers.  FHA, VA and other HUD types of loans would not allow buyers to pay a buyer broker commission for helping them make offers on homes they wish to purchase.  Most of the working class in this area can't afford a loan, have a hard time coming up with the 3% down payment & their closing costs already.  If you add in a buyer broker flat fee or commission % of sale, it now makes the home unattainable for most working class people.  That is the biggest complaint already regarding the housing market, is the "inflated" prices.  Add to that these other fees, it is becoming an unaffordable American Dream for many. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do Buyer Brokers deserve to be paid?:</span> As NAR said in their article, we all deny the Antitrust issues of the law suit as well as the thought behind the claimants views that buyer brokers don't do any work for their side of the sale, so the seller should not have to pay for that.  This is so untrue. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lets Look At the Facts regarding a Realtor's Job:</span> As both a buyer agent and a listing agent, I can't tell you the amount of continuing education required to stay up on county, city & state changes in zoning & building codes, wells, septic & alternative system, subdivision information such as CC&R's & Rules & Regs, HOA rules, etc. in the due diligence work required to list a home.  Pretty much the same is true in regard to working for  buyer to protect the buyers & sellers from doing any future lawsuits for failure to disclose issues during the inspection period, and to make sure all material facts are on the table before an agreement is reached. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Agents working outside their area of expertise</span>: This is why a get so agitated when a Realtor that is not from this Verde Valley Area, chooses to list a home that they should be referring out to a Realtor that is familiar with our valley and a member of the Sedona Verde Valley Association of Realtors.  Yes, if you are licensed in Arizona, you can legally sell any home in Arizona.  However, NAR ethics require us to do what is in the best interest of our clients, whether they be buyers or sellers.  I would never attempt to sell something out of Phoenix or anywhere in that Valley area, because I am not familiar with those county zoning & building codes nor the area in general.  It would not be in my client's best interest for me to do that. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">My Background in Real Estate:</span> I have lived and worked in Sedona & the Verde Valley since 1997 and outside of there, because they are in the same county and under the same zoning & building codes as this valley, I could work Prescott, Prescott Valley and Flagstaff areas.  However, I usually refer those out to another agent that is more familiar with the prices, zoning & codes for those <span style="text-decoration: underline;">cities</span>.  It just doesn't make sense to extend out of my area even regarding my time & attention.  It would take my time away from my local area clients.  A <span style="text-decoration: underline;">referral fee</span> share is a better option and also keeps us out of potential risk management issues that might come up when working outside of my area of expertise. I can't tell you the number of out of area agents that have incorrect information on their MLS listing of properties in the Verde Valley.  Many don't even do the due diligence to handle the listing by getting the correct parcel number for the lot or verify that there is no HOA, but that the subdivision rules & regs and CC&R's are still in place with county planning & zoning and will be enforced by them. Please keep this information in mind when you choose to list or buy a home. Find a professional Realtor that is in the "KNOW" about the area you are in or looking to own in. Who's ultimate goal is to do what is in your best interest and will provide all material facts before closing the sale.  It is an invaluable gift and worthy of any Realtor commission that is well earned.