New Rules for Realtors that affect Buyers & Sellers in the Palm Desert La Quinta Real Estate Market.

August 17 2024 – The day we have all been talking about for months now in the Real Estate business. In the news you have seen headlines like Real Estate Commissions going away, no more % fees…..

Well let me give you a summary of what happened and what it means for you buying or selling a home in the Coachella Valley, La Quinta, Palm Springs, Indio, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert California real estate market.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) was involved in a class action lawsuit regarding commissions and the lawsuit was settled with conditions that go in effect to all NAR members August 17, 2024.

Two conditions of the settlement:
All offers of compensation to selling broker will be removed from the MLS.
Buyers must sign an agreement with their realtor for compensation before touring properties.

What this means to you: A real estate professional is here to guide you, educate and negotiate for you on your behalf. We are here to be professionals. Change is always confusing and uncomfortable, but we are here to work with you and for you and answer questions and work through the process with you. Leverage and use my knowledge and experience to work for you.


Sellers – In California broker to broker compensation has been removed completely. So, Sellers, when you sign a listing agreement you are only negotiating your listing brokers compensation at that time. You will most likely elect on an addendum that you will consider or will not consider paying the cost of the buyer’s broker compensation that is negotiated with the buyer’s purchase offer and based on their written agreement with the buyer’s broker. Bottom line is it will be the Bottom line for sellers just as it always has been. I expect their will be a lot of different scenarios of who pays what depending on the buyer’s financial needs and cash to bring to purchase.

Seller Facts: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/hom...

Buyers – You must have a signed agreement with your Realtor® prior to touring a home that outlines their duties to you, your duties to them and how the realtor/broker will get paid and compensated.

Homebuyer Facts: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/hom...


Now this brings a lot of confusion and anxiety as the out-of-pocket costs to purchase potentially are going to go up for a buyer, however it will be a option to ask the seller to pay on your behalf and most likely the way that most of the transactions will continue to happen.

There are two showings agreements in California:
PSRA - Property Showing and Representation Agreement. This is like a first date form. I just met you and we want to establish a relationship and see if this will work moving forward. Show up to 3 properties and good for 30 days.

BRBC – Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation – This form will establish longer term relationships and has an exclusive and nonexclusive option. This form in California is up to a 90 day agreement. For Nonexclusive - Typically will be for a county, neighborhood or location and good for any properties you show the buyer in that area and will lay out the compensation to be paid if the buyer purchases one of those properties. Exclusive is for all properties whether the agent shows you or not if you purchase within those 90 days any property you will owe the agent/broker compensation that is agreed in the agreement.

Leverage my experience and knowledge to work for you. I am here for questions etc feel free to reach out via direct message, phone call, text or email. I look forward to navigating this with you and working with you on your current and future real estate needs!

Debbie Behlman
Broker Associate/Realtor®
Equity Union Real Estate
DRE#01473940
Cell Phone: 760-574-4612
Email: [email protected]


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