📅 2026 Update: Changes in Real Estate Listings and Regulations

Since the original article was published, several significant changes have taken place in real estate regulations and practices. These updates impact how real estate transactions are conducted, particularly in relation to agent commissions, disclosure requirements, and the processing of transactions. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational knowledge in this area.

🏡 FinCEN Reporting Rule Vacated

On March 19, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule. This rule was meant to enforce reporting on certain residential transactions involving legal entities or trusts.

With its removal, there are now fewer reporting requirements for these types of transactions.

💼 NAR Commission Settlement

In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settled an antitrust lawsuit by agreeing to pay $418 million and implement changes to commission structures. Starting August 17, 2024, buyer-agent compensation will no longer be displayed in Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings. Additionally, agents must have written agreements with buyers before any property showings.

🖼️ California's AB 723

Effective January 1, 2026, California's Assembly Bill 723 requires real estate agents to disclose any digitally altered or AI-enhanced listing images. Agents must also provide the original unedited images upon request. This aims to ensure transparency in property listings.

🏖️ Oregon's HB 2373

Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon's House Bill 2373 introduces a new license category for timeshare sales agents. Individuals selling or offering timeshares must hold a broker, principal broker, or timeshare sales agent license. This change is intended to regulate the timeshare market more effectively.

📌 Key Updates Summary

  • 📅 FinCEN Reporting Rule vacated, reducing reporting requirements.
  • 💰 NAR Commission Settlement alters commission structures and requires written agreements.
  • 🖼️ California mandates disclosure of altered listing images.
  • 🏖️ Oregon introduces licensing for timeshare agents.

💡 Tips for Navigating Real Estate Transactions

Review the details of your situation with your attorney to ensure you understand your rights and obligations.

📄 Understand Closing Costs

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the mortgage amount. These costs often include title insurance, lender fees, and recording charges. Being aware of these costs can help you budget better.

📝 Sign Buyer Representation Agreements

Following the NAR Commission Settlement, buyers must now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring properties. This protects both the buyer and the agent and clarifies expectations.

⏳ Know the Closing Timeline

The closing process usually takes 30 to 60 days after the seller accepts an offer. The average time for a conventional mortgage closing is about 43 days. Keeping this timeline in mind can help you plan your move.

📬 Review the Closing Disclosure

Lenders are required to provide the Closing Disclosure form at least three business days before closing. This form details the loan terms and closing costs, allowing you to review everything before finalizing the sale.

📊 Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws

Real estate laws can vary by state. Be aware of any specific regulations that may affect your transaction, such as Oregon's new licensing for timeshare agents or California's image disclosure requirements.

🏆 Real Estate Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights various services related to real estate that can assist buyers and sellers. The order follows Trustpilot ratings as of October 2026. Ratings may change over time, and star ratings are just one aspect of customer feedback, as unhappy customers often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Notarize

Notarize holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.5. It is known for providing online notarization services available 24/7. Users appreciate the convenience of being able to get documents notarized from home.

However, some have reported occasional technical glitches that may disrupt the process.

🥈 2. Proof

Proof, formerly known as Notarize, also averages a 4.5 rating. This platform focuses on identity assurance and online notarization. While it offers a modern approach to notarization, some users find the interface complex, affecting their overall experience.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has a Trustpilot score of 4.5. It is recognized for its online legal document preparation and affordable legal services tailored to individuals and businesses. However, some users mention that the subscription model may not fit everyone's needs.

4️⃣ LegalZoom

LegalZoom has a Trustpilot rating of 4.6. It offers comprehensive legal solutions, including business formation and real estate services. While many appreciate the variety of services provided, some users report delays and communication issues that can affect their experience.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides resources on fair housing laws and tenant rights. Additionally, many state real estate commissions offer free guidance on real estate regulations.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Real Estate Service

  • 💵 Cost and fees for services.
  • 📜 Range of services offered.
  • ⭐ User ratings and reviews.
  • ⏰ Processing times and efficiency.
  • 📞 Availability of customer support.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are closing costs?

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the mortgage amount. They include fees for title insurance, lender charges, and government recording fees.

📅 How long does the closing process take?

The closing process generally takes 30 to 60 days after the seller accepts an offer, with the average closing time for a conventional mortgage being about 43 days.

📝 What is a Closing Disclosure?

A Closing Disclosure is a form that lenders must provide at least three business days before closing. It details loan terms and all closing costs associated with the transaction.

📜 What is the NAR Commission Settlement?

The NAR Commission Settlement is an agreement that requires real estate agents to have written agreements with buyers before property showings. It also prohibits displaying buyer-agent compensation in MLS listings.

🏖️ What is Oregon's HB 2373?

Oregon's HB 2373 introduces a new license category for timeshare sales agents, requiring them to hold specific licenses. This change aims to regulate the timeshare market more effectively.

🖼️ What does California's AB 723 require?

California's AB 723 mandates that real estate agents disclose any digitally altered or AI-enhanced listing images. Agents must also provide the original unedited images upon request.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Real Estate

Recent court rulings, such as the vacating of the FinCEN Reporting Rule, impact the landscape of real estate transactions. These changes affect how real estate agents operate and how buyers and sellers engage in the market.

For more recent rulings, you can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The Homebuyer's Guide: Read Before Finding an Agency and Salesperson


Buying a home can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, especially for first-time buyers. With so many real estate agencies and salespeople to choose from, it's easy to get lost in the sea of options. However, taking the time to research and prepare before ing an agency and salesperson can make all the difference in your homebuying journey.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of doing your due diligence before finding an agency and salesperson. We'll also provide valuable tips on what to look for and what to ask to ensure you find the right partner to help you navigate the complex process of buying a home.

Why Research Matters


Choosing the right real estate agency and salesperson can be a crucial decision. A good agent can make all the difference in your homebuying experience, providing valuable insights, negotiating skills, and expertise. On the other hand, a poorly chosen agent can lead to frustration, disappointment, and even financial losses.

By doing your research, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which agency and salesperson to work with. Here are some reasons why research is essential:

Knowledge and Expertise: A good agent has extensive knowledge of the local market, including current trends, prices, and regulations. They'll be able to provide you with valuable insights and guidance throughout the process.

Communication: Clear communication is essential in any business transaction. A good agent will keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you're always up-to-date on the progress of your sale or purchase.

Network and Connections: A well-established agent has a network of contacts and connections within the industry, which can be invaluable in securing your dream home or selling your current property.
Reputation: A reputable agent has a proven track record of success, with positive reviews and testimonials from previous clients.

What to Look for in an Agency


When researching an agency, consider the following factors:

Experience: Look for agencies with a strong track record of success, with experienced agents who have worked in the local market.
Reputation: Check online reviews, testimonials, and ratings from previous clients to get a sense of the agency's reputation.

Services: Consider what services the agency offers, such as property management, commercial sales, or mortgage broking.
Awards and Recognition: Look for agencies that have received awards or recognition within the industry.

What to Ask a Salesperson


When interviewing potential salespeople, ask the following questions:

What's your experience in the local market?
What's your approach to finding the right property for my needs?
How will you keep me informed throughout the process?
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
What's your commission structure?

Conclusion


Finding the right real estate agency and salesperson can be a daunting task, but by doing your research and asking the right questions, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision.

Remember to prioritize knowledge, expertise, communication, network connections, and reputation when choosing an agency and salesperson. By taking the time to research and prepare, you'll be able to navigate the complex process of buying a home with confidence and ease.



 

There are numerous forms of real estate listings available to an individual selling their property, all of which entail differing degrees of obligation and compensation on the part of the seller and any relevant agents or brokers. Method of listing is often the most important tactic used in selling real estate, as it is equivalent to advertising a product, with the product in this case, being the property.


The two key forms of listing are always entirely dependent on the manner in which one decides to sell their property, and is usually directly determinate to what part the seller desires for the real estate agent to play in the process. The two major forms of listing, with rare variation, are the open listing and the exclusive agency listing.


Open listings generally occur in a “for sale by owner” situation (FSBO), where an individual selling their property has decided to forgo the inclusion of a real estate agent, and opts instead  It is entirely legal for an individual to act as an estate agent for their own real estate (the law in most states mandates a realtor’s license only when someone intends to represent another seller’s property.)

Learn About Different Real Estate Listings

While these situations are comparatively rare, they can be beneficial to individuals who want to sell their home and retain as much of the proceeds as possible-since by foregoing the use of a real estate agent the seller can save what is typically a five percent commission on the sale.


However, this means that the seller is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the sale, including negotiation of the sale price, performing background checks on potential buyers, and determining whether they have the means to actually purchase the property, and then seeing to it that all forms of transaction details, such as the appraisal and the inspection are completed.


Also, it is often likely that the seller, especially in negotiating or attempting to close a sale, will often still have to deal with an agent on the buyer’s side. Also, unless the buyer is also self-represented, the seller will still have to part with at least a partial commission to the buyer’s agent, though it would in theory, be only half of what it would be if the individual was selling through their own agent.


The primary tool of the FSBO  Open listings are also generally disliked by full service real estate agencies, and there have been anecdotal instances where agents will refuse to show open listing homes to their clients, for a variety of reasons, including professional loyalty, and the perception that an “amateur” seller will be difficult to agree with.


Exclusive agency listings occur when a seller opts to use a real estate agent to sell their property.


Multiple agency listings almost never happen, and are typically forbidden under real estate law as it restricts the potential for unethical behavior on agents placed in direct competition with one another.


Though an exclusive agency listing provides an agent/agency with exclusive right to sell, the agreements are usually not difficult to break if the seller feels will be better represented elsewhere (or instead prefers to go with an open listing).


Usually real estate agents simply want to be in a mutually beneficial relationship, often for the very practical reason of protecting their reputation and preventing any charges of ethical misconduct on their part.


Deciding which listing is the correct one is important decision for a seller.  If the seller wants to make sure that the sale is executed exactly to their needs and specifications, wants to keep more of the overall proceeds of a sale, and does not mind the extra work and effort, that they may find “for sale by owner” and open listings right for them.  In either case, the final decision in nearly all situations, remains with the seller. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact real estate lawyers.