What The Nar Settlement Means For Open Houses

By now, most real estate agents have heard about the $418 million NAR settlement — and if you haven’t, now’s the time to pay attention. While the headlines have focused on buyer agent commissions and MLS rules, the ripple effects touch almost every part of how we do business — especially how we run open houses. If you’re an agent who leans on open houses to generate leads, here’s what you need to know — and how to adapt fast.

Written by Seth Cox

Apr 19, 2025 / Open House Guidelines

What Was the NAR Settlement All About?

In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to a settlement in a series of lawsuits that challenged how commissions are structured in the U.S. real estate market.

Key takeaway: MLSs can no longer require listing agents to offer compensation to buyer agents. This doesn’t ban buyer agent commissions, but it does make them optional and more transparent — and shifts how compensation is disclosed.

How This Impacts Open Houses

Open houses are still one of the most effective lead-gen tools in the business — but the way you talk about and manage them will need to evolve. Here’s how the NAR settlement affects your open house strategy:

Buyers May Come Without Representation

With commissions no longer baked in, more buyers may choose to attend open houses without agents — or skip agent representation entirely. That means:

You’re the face of the transaction: You’ll need to be crystal clear about your role as the listing agent, and be prepared to answer questions about representation without overstepping.
Clear disclosures are a must: Make sure buyers understand who you represent, especially if they ask about writing an offer.

Lead Capture Just Got Way More Important

Before, you might have shared leads with buyer agents or trusted they’d follow up. Now?

Every buyer who walks through the door is a potential direct client.

This makes it critical to:

Collect accurate contact info
Segment buyers based on intent
Follow up quickly and professionally

This is where Showable shines — offering digital sign-ins, instant lead capture, and automated follow-ups, so no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Commission Conversations Will Happen Earlier — Sometimes at Your Open House

Buyers might ask things like:

“Do I need an agent?”
“Will I have to pay their commission?”
“Can I just work with you directly?”

You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do need a plan.

Pro tip: Use your open house materials (sign-in forms, handouts, follow-up emails) to include neutral, helpful language about representation and commissions — and recommend they consult with a real estate attorney or broker if unsure.

Showable allows you to customize your follow-up templates, giving you full control over tone and messaging.

Transparency & Professionalism Will Set You Apart

With fewer baked-in norms, your reputation and processes matter more than ever.

That means:

Hosting well-organized open houses
Using digital tools to appear modern and tech-forward
Creating a follow-up experience that builds trust

With Showable, agents provide a polished, seamless open house experience that feels less like a clipboard operation and more like a concierge-level service.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:

Update your open house script and signage
Make sure your language is NAR-compliant, especially around agency and compensation.
Digitize your lead capture
If you're still using paper sign-in sheets, now is the time to upgrade. Showable makes this frictionless and brand-forward.
Be ready to talk about commissions
You don’t need to pitch, but you should be prepared to educate. Practice how you explain the new rules in plain English.
Follow up fast and smart
Don’t let leads cool off. Use automation to send thank-you messages, property links, or next steps right after the open house ends.

Final Thoughts

The NAR settlement is reshaping how we work — but it’s also an opportunity. Agents who adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and use the right tools will thrive in this new era of real estate. So next time you host an open house, think of it not just as a showing — but as the start of a smarter, more direct client relationship. Need help leveling up your open house game? Try Showable and turn your next open house into a lead machine — without chasing anyone down with a clipboard.