NAR Issues Cease-and-Desist Over Phoenix Realtors’ MLS Choice Option

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National Association of Realtors

NAR: Has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Phoenix Realtors over its new MLS Choice option, a move that could have significant implications for the real estate industry. MLS Choice allows brokers to access the MLS and legal forms, along with some benefits, without joining the traditional three-tier membership system — which includes local, state, and national associations.

According to NAR, this new option undermines the organization’s long-standing three-way membership structure and could dilute the standards associated with the Realtor brand. In a letter sent on December 18, NAR’s General Counsel, Lesley Muchow, said the association was taking necessary action to defend its bylaws and uphold the integrity of its membership requirements.

MLS Choice costs just $249 annually, significantly lower than traditional membership fees, but it comes with a key catch: real estate professionals who opt for MLS Choice cannot use the “Realtor” designation or access full association benefits.

Phoenix Realtors, however, sees it as a modernization effort, offering brokers more flexibility in how they operate. Despite the pushback from NAR, some local brokers, like Bret Lamberson of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s, have expressed interest in the option, though they emphasize the need for reassurance about its long-term viability.

As the debate intensifies, this could mark the beginning of a larger shift in the real estate industry’s membership landscape. We’ll continue to follow this developing story.

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AI Uncovers Americans’ Home Priorities

Zillow has unveiled the most popular—and some of the most unusual—home search trends for 2024. The company’s enhanced AI-powered search tool, which allows users to search for homes in natural language, has revealed Americans’ evolving home priorities.

Top-searched features this year include ranch-style homes, lakefront properties, and modern lofts, reflecting a strong demand for both practicality and personality. In states like California and Florida, pools topped search lists, while in rural areas like North Dakota and Wyoming, buyers favored ranch homes and garages.

But it’s not just the basics that are capturing attention—some buyers are getting creative. In Colorado, one shopper searched for a “roller coaster,” while a Michigan home seeker wanted a place with “laser tag.” Others have searched for “haunted” or “spooky” homes, with 22 states showing interest in the eerie.

Meanwhile, scenic lakesides and beachfronts remain hot spots, with Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, and Long Island among the most sought-after destinations.

As for city living, New Yorkers are prioritizing amenities like in-unit laundry and pet-friendly spaces, with demand surging for buildings that allow residents to do more without leaving home.

Zillow’s report offers a fascinating glimpse into how Americans are rethinking their dream homes—combining practical needs with some unexpected fun.

You can find the full list on zillow.com.

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Major Brokerages Face Ongoing Legal Battle

And finally, in a major setback for several real estate brokerages in the ongoing buyer agent commission lawsuit. A U.S. District Court judge has denied motions to dismiss filed by key defendants in the Gibson/Umpa case, allowing the litigation to proceed. Judge Stephen Bough, in a December 16 ruling, rejected dismissal requests from several major brokerages, including Hanna Holdings, eXp, Weichert, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The defendants had argued the case should be dismissed on various grounds, including lack of jurisdiction and improper venue. However, Judge Bough ruled that the plaintiffs have sufficiently demonstrated that the defendants have ties to Western Missouri, where the case is being heard.

The judge also ruled that the plaintiffs have presented enough evidence to support claims of antitrust injury and anticompetitive behavior, which means the case will move forward. Notably, Bough denied efforts to enforce arbitration or class action waivers.

The Gibson/Umpa case, filed in 2023, has already seen some brokerages settle, including Compass and Redfin, though those settlements are currently under appeal. The litigation continues, with some defendants, including eXp and Weichert, still facing challenges from the plaintiffs.

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