Car Amends Forms For Increased Referral Fee Transparency

While the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Delegate Body may have rejected increased transparency surrounding referral fees, at least one state Realtor association is pushing back.

On Friday, the California Association of Realtors (CAR), published a statement by 2026 CAR president Tamara Suminski, expressing her support of referral fee transparency.

“The California Association of Realtors has long championed compensation transparency, especially when it comes to real estate transaction referral fees. C.A.R. has always led the way in demonstrating public trust by supporting full disclosure of referral fee arrangements and advising its members accordingly,” she said in a statement. “Ensuring that consumers know exactly how their real estate professionals are compensated is central to protecting consumers’ interests and reinforcing trust in the transaction process. When clients understand whether and how referral fees are involved, they are empowered to make more informed decisions, ask the right questions, and confidently evaluate the services they receive.”

As a result of this conviction, Suminski said CAR is revising one of its standard forms to “enhance language regarding referral fees and provide a standardized way to make these disclosures.” The updated form will be released next month. 

According to Suminkski, by taking this approach consumers working with CAR members will be fully aware of all sources of compensation, including referral fees, improving transparency for consumers. 

This announcement came after NAR’s Delegate Body rejected an amendment to Article 6 of the trade group’s code of ethics, which would have required Realtors to obtain a client’s consent any time they receive any money, rebate or profit from referrals, after NAR’s board of directors meeting on Monday. 

During the full board meeting earlier that morning, the board approved the amendment with 83.55% of directors voting in favor and 16.45% opposed. 

NAR did not immediately respond to HousingWire’s request for comment on this matter.