This week, we explore the major shifts and controversies shaping the real estate industry. We kick things off with NAR's Clear Cooperation policy under attack—some agents claim it's giving big brokerages a competitive edge, while others say dismantling it could harm both agents and consumers. One local association is outright rejecting the policy, intensifying the debate. Meanwhile, a survey reveals that 55% of agents now see MLS value declining post-NAR settlement, raising concerns about the future of cooperation in the market.

We also dive into Side's legal battle with the Alexander brothers over alleged contract breaches. On the market front, mortgage demand dropped 17% this week as rates hit their highest point since August, leaving buyers on edge. Interestingly, nearly 25% of first-time homebuyers plan to delay purchases until after the election, adding more uncertainty to an already tense market.

We'll also look at a new survey showing that 42% of homeowners favor Trump for maintaining home values, while 35% believe Kamala Harris would do better. Meanwhile, renters are almost twice as likely as homeowners to say housing affordability will affect their vote—what will this mean for the upcoming election?

Despite warmer-than-expected inflation, mortgage rates are unlikely to drop significantly. Yet, there's good news: Pending home sales posted their biggest jump since 2021, signaling renewed buyer activity.

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