To promote transparency in the way the real estate market operates, the National Association of REALTORS® has developed “Competition in Real Estate.” It’s a document you can use to reference and share key points with clients to explain the competitive nature of the market and the critical role that MLSs—also known as local broker marketplaces for consumers—and REALTORS® play in advancing consumers’ interests.
The document includes answers to key questions about common, pro-consumer industry practices. For example, it explains why buyers generally don't pay commissions directly to their broker, as well as why local broker marketplaces are still needed when listings are prevalent elsewhere online. It also addresses NAR’s role relative to the independent, local MLS broker marketplaces.
Download “Competition in Real Estate” here.pdf
For more and updated information over time, visit and bookmark the new site competition.realtor. The site includes questions and answers related to legal developments, such as Department of Justice and class action lawsuits.