In a groundbreaking shift that’s shaking up the entire industry, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to a $418 million settlement—and it’s poised to completely redefine how real estate transactions are done in the U.S.

This isn’t just about a big number. This is a systemic change to how agents get paid, how deals are structured, and how real estate investors will need to adapt in order to thrive.

Why the NAR Settlement Matters

For decades, NAR has shaped the standards and norms around commission structures in residential real estate. But this settlement, prompted by lawsuits accusing NAR of keeping commission fees artificially high, is forcing an industry-wide reckoning.

The takeaway? The old system of baked-in agent fees is over. Transparency, negotiation, and flexibility are the new rules of the game.

Key Changes Every Investor Needs to Know

1. $418M Settlement Structure:
   NAR will pay the full amount in installments, with $197 million due within 90 da

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By Peter Halm

In a surprising turn of events, higher interest rates, often considered an impediment to transactions in the broader commercial real estate market, are proving to be a catalyst for significant growth in the sale-leaseback sector. Data from SLB Capital Advisors reveals a robust surge in both transaction volume and dollar value, setting new records and indicating a positive trajectory for this unconventional financing method.

Record-Breaking Performance in 2022

According to SLB Capital Advisors, the total U.S. sale-leaseback volume reached 874 unique transactions in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 789 in 2021. This represents an 11% increase from the prior highs of 2019 and 2021. The total dollar volume soared to $31.4 billion, a remarkable 14% increase over the 2019 figure of $27.6 billion.

The Trend Continues in 2023

The momentum has carried into 2023, with SLB Capital Advisors reporting an 8.3% increase in dollar volume for sale-leaseback deals, reaching $5....