Press Room

As was well communicated last Friday, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) announced a proposed settlement to the class action lawsuits. As an affiliated Institute, Society and Council headquartered in the Realtor® building for nearly 50 years, the staff and leadership team have remained in close contact with NAR on developments since last Fall, and the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) commends NAR for its leadership on providing comprehensive and timely resources for members, including the new facts.realtor (login required) and competition.realtor websites which contains relevant resources and videos addressing the proposed settlement and is the RRC recommended source for information. 

Whether a new or veteran Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designee, NAR’s announcement  reenforces that there is a timeless rigor to the unique production and education requirements that make CRS Designees the gold standard in the industry. For the last 50 years, CRS Designees have proven themselves as the best of the best, successfully navigating and even flourishing through major industry challenges. CRS Designees always adapt and excel, regardless of economic, societal, or legal changes. They embody unmatched values: a commitment to continuous learning and growth, fostering strong relationships, and maintaining an unrivaled distinction from other Realtors®. CRS Designees are poised for changes in the profession now and for the next 50 years.

Since the NAR lawsuit issues have come to the forefront, RRC has organized timely live and virtual education to prepare and equip members.

• “Articulating Your Value in a Changing Real Estate Market” by CRS Certified Instructor, Frank Serio, CRS is coming up March 26, 2024, and is complimentary to RRC members.
• “The Lawsuits are Settled: Is the Sky Falling NOW?” by CRS Certified Instructor, Rich Sands, CRS is scheduled for April 1, 2024, and is complimentary to RRC members.
• On April 8, 2024, members have complimentary access to “Working with Buyers in This New Era” by Shay Hata.
• At the most recent Sell-a-bration® conference, the pre-conference course, “The Buyer’s Advocate” by CRS Certified Instructor, Lee Barrett, CRS addresses the evolving buyer's brokerage agreements. This course is new and available for scheduling at your next state or local event.
• In the first quarter of 2024, live courses were held and recorded such as "Charge What you are Worth," by Leigh Brown, CRS and "Legal Issues Impacting You in 2024,"  by CRS Certified Instructor, Dale Carlton, CRS. Also available on-demand through bundle or single access to members and non-members.

Through its national and state networks, RRC events are held where members interact and brainstorm to navigate the latest changes in a collaborative fashion with top notch peers. RRC is dedicated to sustained support to members and plans to communicate a full framework of education opportunities meeting these specific challenges later this week.

"Now more than ever, obtaining the CRS designation is an important career milestone for real estate professionals that truly sets you apart from peers and showcases top achievement and professionalism with clients", said Tricia Nekota, 2024 RRC National President, "with industry changes imminent, our staff, world-class instructors, and national and state leadership have been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of what lies ahead."

Members should stay tuned for more resources via RRC Connect deployed each Tuesday, and real estate professionals and candidates who seek this gold standard achievement can view the designation path on crs.com or contact crshelp@crs.com for assistance or questions.

About the Residential Real Estate Council: The Residential Real Estate Council is the leading education and networking organization for residential real estate agents. It awards the prestigious CRS Designation to experienced residential real estate professionals who have completed advanced professional training and proven outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate.