Most brokers spend plenty of time preparing for the risks they can see coming—a slowing market, changing mortgage rates, deals that fall apart, or difficult clients. But the biggest threats to your business usually don’t arrive with a warning. They show up as a cyberattack, an overlooked policy, a marketing mistake, or a simple conversation …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Aug 04
NAR’s 2026 Code of Ethics: What REALTORS® and Consumers Should Know
The real estate industry continues to evolve, and so does the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics. As of 2026, recent updates provide greater clarity on how ethical standards are applied while reinforcing the profession’s longstanding commitment to fair housing, professionalism, and equal treatment for every consumer. For buyers, sellers, and REALTORS® alike, …
Aug 03
Federal Appeals Court Keeps Landlords’ Compensation Claims Alive Following CDC Eviction Moratorium
A federal appeals court has reinforced an important constitutional principle for rental housing providers by allowing claims for compensation stemming from the federal COVID-19 eviction moratorium to move forward. The decision centers on Darby v. United States, one of the most closely watched property rights cases arising from the pandemic. By declining to reconsider its …
Jul 31
NAR’s Legal Position Strengthened as Courts Continue to Scrutinize Antitrust Challenges
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) continues to build momentum in defending itself against a series of antitrust lawsuits that have challenged longstanding industry practices. Among the most closely watched cases has been the lawsuit brought by Utah-based real estate company Homie, which alleged that NAR and several national brokerage firms engaged in anticompetitive conduct …
Jul 29
NAR’s Winning Streak in Court Continues
When it comes to defending its membership model, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has built impressive momentum in the courtroom. Over the past two years, a series of federal rulings has reinforced the organization’s position that REALTOR® membership and local MLS participation requirements comply with existing antitrust law. One of the key victories came …
Jul 28
Why Protecting the REALTOR® Brand Matters More Than Ever in 2026
In today’s digital world, your reputation travels faster than ever. Between AI-generated content, social media, online advertising, and countless real estate websites, the REALTOR® brand is constantly being seen—and sometimes misused. That’s why the National Association of REALTORS® continues to strengthen its efforts to protect one of the profession’s most valuable assets: the REALTOR® trademark. …
Jul 27
Federal Courts Continue to Reinforce NAR’s Position in Key MLS Litigation
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) entered 2026 with several significant courtroom victories that have strengthened its legal position in ongoing challenges involving Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), REALTOR® membership, and antitrust claims. Courts have consistently ruled that plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence that NAR’s policies unlawfully restrained competition or violated federal law. One of …
Jul 16
Supreme Court Ends Floor Plan Copyright Dispute, Strengthening Legal Protection for Real Estate Brokerages
The U.S. Supreme Court has brought an end to one of the real estate industry’s most closely watched copyright disputes by declining to review a lower court ruling that found the use of floor plans in real estate listings qualifies as fair use under U.S. copyright law. With the Court allowing the appellate decision to …
Jul 14
The No-Commingling Rule Is Officially History: What It Means for Real Estate in 2026
The real estate industry has undergone significant changes over the past few years, and one chapter has now officially come to a close. In late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined—for a second and final time—to hear an appeal in the lawsuit challenging the National Association of REALTORS®’ former optional “no-commingling” rule. With the Court …
Jul 13
Sitzer-Burnett Settlement Appeal Heads to Federal Court—What REALTORS® Need to Know
The legal battle over the landmark Sitzer-Burnett settlement continues this week as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit hears arguments from parties challenging the court-approved agreement. While the appeal has drawn significant attention across the real estate industry, one thing remains unchanged: the settlement’s practice changes—including the requirement for written buyer agreements …
Jul 10
Batton Lawsuit Update 2026: What REALTORS® Need to Know
The legal landscape surrounding real estate commissions continues to evolve in 2026, and the Batton homebuyer commission lawsuit remains one of the industry’s most closely watched cases. While several defendants have chosen to settle, the litigation is far from over. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has maintained its position that it will continue pursuing …
Jul 08
Zillow Wins Round One: Judge Refuses to Hit Pause on Private Listing Rules
The legal battle between Zillow and Compass just reached another major milestone—and for now, Zillow is staying in the driver’s seat. A federal judge has denied Compass’ request to temporarily stop Zillow from enforcing its controversial Listing Access Standards, a policy designed to limit the visibility of homes that are publicly marketed but withheld from …
