Kamala Harris Is Queen Bey Approved! VP Granted Access To Use ‘Freedom’ Song In Campaign
However, this is not the first time Beyoncé has shown love to Kamala Harris.
Beyoncé is already contributing to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The singer gave the Vice President permission to use her hit song “Freedom” while on the campaign trail.
The song played as Harris made her official entrance to her campaign headquarters on July 22. The singer does not frequently grant clearances on her songs, making this approval extra special for the presidential hopeful.
CNN confirmed that Beyoncé specifically allowed Harris to use the track, which was initially released in 2016 with her album Lemonade. Moreover, the news outlet detailed that the Grammy winner swiftly said yes to using the song for Harris’ first appearance for her campaign. Reportedly, the request was only made hours before the event.
The song itself is especially relevant, evoking the theme of Black power found throughout the acclaimed album. Its lyrics, which include lines like “I break chains all by myself” and “A winner don’t quit on themselves,” promote self-empowerment fitting for a presidential race.
However, the singer has yet to explicitly endorse the politician. Despite this, the allowance of her song during the event is a strong indicator that Harris has her support.
This is also not the first time Beyoncé has shown love to Harris. Harris disclosed on her tax records that Beyoncé gifted her tickets to her Renaissance World Tour show in August. Harris also partook in the concert’s shimmery attire theme and thanked the star on Instagram for the “fun date night.”
Beyoncé’s quick approval aligns with thousands of Harris’ Black women supporters. Over 40,000 supporters rallied behind the candidate on a “Win With Black Women” Zoom call. The event raised around $1.5 million for her campaign on July 21.
Harris continues to earn delegates to solidify her spot as the Democratic nominee, with Beyoncé’s “Freedom” swiftly becoming a theme song for her journey to the Oval Office.
Boy, Bye! Donald Trump’s Believes His Own Hype About Taking ‘A Bullet For Democracy’
This guy just doesn't know when to stop, huh?
Former President Donald Trump claims he is proud to take “a bullet for democracy” after celebrating U.S Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation on his Truth Social platform.
Cheatle was put under pressure from lawmakers to resign after a lapse in security resulted in the GOP presidential candidate being injured in his right ear. In her resignation letter, Cheatle called the decision “difficult.” “In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director,” Cheatle wrote on Jul. 23. She admitted that on the day of the shooting, Jul. 13, the agency “fell short” of its mission “to protect our nation’s leaders.”
Trump’s words were mocking comments he made during another rally in Michigan where he was defending himself against claims that he is a “threat to democracy.”
“They keep saying ‘he’s a threat to democracy.’ I’m saying, what the hell did I do for democracy?” he told a crowd of supporters.
“Last week, I took a bullet for democracy! What did I do against democracy? Crazy.”
“They keep saying 'he's a threat to democracy.' I'm saying, what the hell did I do for democracy? Last week I took a bullet for democracy! What did I do against democracy? Crazy.”
Cheatle’s resignation comes just one day after she was chastised by legislators on the House committee. She recognized “significant” and “colossal” problems with the security at the rally but stood firm on being “the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time.”
“It has an incredibly important responsibility in protecting presidents, former presidents, and other officials in the executive branch, and we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Spectators on social media called the former President out for his lack of empathy and pointed out how the bandage on his ear, which many were seen wearing during the Republican National Convention, has mysteriously disappeared. “He didn’t take it for Democracy. He took it for Donald Trump. And they couldn’t even spell his name right when they used it for a prop,” @lauracameron_ wrote.
He didn't take it for Democracy. He took it for Donald Trump. And they couldn't even spell his name right when they used it for a prop.
Another user called it “fake news” since Trump did not appear to have a scab. “That’s fake news. I was bigly shot in the ear. But it’s looking pretty good today don’t you think? Not even a scab,” @apbamlb1987
That's fake news. I was bigly shot in the ear. But it's looking pretty good today don't you think? Not even a scab. pic.twitter.com/3mcM69yuTJ
Shortly after Cheatle resigned, the Department of Homeland Security announced Secret Service Deputy Director Ronald Rowe would be taking over the role.
Taylor Townsend Defeats Sloane Stephens In The Ultimate Black Girl Tennis Match At Atlanta Open
Townsend finally beat Stephens after playing against one another twice before.
Taylor Townsend and Sloane Stephens gave attendees at the Atlanta Open a match to remember. The two Black female Tennis champions played against one another on July 21, with Townsend taking home the win.
The weather initially delayed the Sunday night showdown, but Townsend and Stephens opened the exhibition as a rematch of past meetings. Although Stephens had beaten Townsend twice before, Townsend finally bested the 2017 U.S. Open Champion in Atlanta with a score of 7-6, 6-3. However, Townsend’s witty comments throughout the game won the crowd.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Townsend jokingly asked the crowd where her 31-year-old opponent would aim the ball. The low stakes equated to more fun between the players, as Stephens later brought out a ball girl for a two v. one matchup that delighted the crowd.
Townsend relished the exhibition’s more relaxed environment, as the sport typically has a “prissy” culture.
“We have an opportunity to let our personalities come out because we know it’s for entertainment, so we can really have fun,” the 28-year-old told the news outlet. “Tennis can be a very prissy sport where you must be quiet, and there’s etiquette and rules. So, to be able to break out of that is always nice and fun.”
Stephens added, “Yeah, it was great. Being able to play in a sold-out crowd makes it incredibly special. But I think they obviously come out a little bit more because they don’t get to see as much women’s tennis so to be able to play here in front of a nice crowd was special.”
While taking things easy in Georgia, the American Tennis stars are formidable players in their own rights. Alongside being a U.S. Open Champion, Stephens has won seven WTA Tour singles titles. She was once ranked #3 in the world after becoming a Wimbledon finalist in 2018. As for Townsend, the 2024 Wimbledon doubles champion continues to rise in her rankings.
Both women are part of next generation of Black women Tennis players, with skills that make even exhibition games a sight to see.
The "unprecedented" effort will encourage all members to get out the vote.
The Divine 9 is banding together to get out the vote this election season. The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Presidents released a joint statement announcing a united voter mobilization campaign.
These historic Black Greek Letter Organizations will organize their thousands of members to partake in voter registration and education. In the press release, the council announced the launch of their “unprecedented” voter mobilization effort. Vanity Fair‘s contributing editor, Franklin Leonard, shared a screenshot of the statement on X.
“We, the Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council® (Divine 9®), have met and agreed to meet this critical moment in history with an unprecedented voter registration, education, and mobilization coordinated campaign,” began the statement. “This campaign will activate the thousands of chapters and members in our respective organizations to ensure strong voter turnout in the communities we serve.”
The council did not endorse any specific candidate, despite one being a member of one of its organizations. Vice President Kamala Harris, who just recently began her campaign, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She joined the sorority while studying at Howard University, where the organization was also founded in 1908.
Despite this, the council emphasized the initiative will be nonpartisan. Instead, it will focus on all eligible Americans heading to the polls in November.
The news release added, “This nonpartisan coordinated voter mobilization effort builds on our shared legacies of social action and service to our communities. The Divine 9® stands in unity to Get Out The Vote. We are stronger together. #D9StrongerTogether”
However, Harris has not shied away from showing love to her sorority. On July 10, Harris spoke at Alpha Kappa Alpha’s biannual Boulé event in Dallas. She appeared wearing pearls and salmon pink, one of the organization’s signature colors, as a nod to its history.
While there, Harris encouraged her fellow members to “continue that work” toward voter registration and mobilization.
“And so, in this moment, once again, our nation is counting on the leaders in this room to guide us forward; to energize, organize, and mobilize; to register folks to vote and to get them to the polls in November,” stated the politician. “For 116 years, the members of our sorority have been on the front lines of the fight to realize the promise of America. This year, let us continue that work.”
As the election nears, Alpha Kappa Alpha will join the Divine 9 in ensuring a historic voter turnout.
Olympian Dominique Dawes Says She Won’t Allow Her Children To Endure What She Did in Gymnastics
As a pioneering Black woman in gymnastics, Dawes says she was not only representing her country in the Olympic Games but her race.
Gymnastics has witnessed a significant shift toward diversity. Eighty percent of the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team are women of color.
Trailblazing Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes reflected on the growing inclusivity for the sport with NBC News. As the first Black gymnast to qualify for the Olympic trials in 1992, Dawes paved the way for future generations. Her career spanned three consecutive Olympic Games, culminating in four medals, including a historic team gold with the “Magnificent Seven” in Atlanta in 1996.
“To see now, 32 years later, women of color dominating the sport of gymnastics definitely gives me reason to at least know that the sport is becoming a little bit more inclusive,” Dawes said.
At last year’s world championships, the all-around podium featured three Black women: Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade, and Shilese Jones. However, the impact of diversity in gymnastics extends beyond competitions. Jordan Chiles, Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, once considered quitting the sport due to racism.
“I didn’t think people around me wanted to see this beautiful Black girl in a [leotard] anymore,” Chiles said. Yet, inspired by athletes like Dawes and Biles, Chiles persevered and will represent Team USA in Paris.
For the very first time, we proudly introduce the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team presented by @Xfinity!
➡️ Hezly Rivera ➡️ Jade Carey ➡️ Simone Biles ➡️ Suni Lee ➡️ Jordan Chiles
Biles, 27, is set to become the oldest female to compete in gymnastics at the U.S. Olympics in over seven decades.
“The fact that I was 23 at my last Olympic Games in 2000 was unheard of back then,” Dawes said. “…I love the fact that the longevity has extended beyond what I was able to accomplish.” Biles stands on the cusp of joining Dawes as the only female gymnast to represent the United States in three Olympic Games. Dawes advised the athlete to “enjoy the journey.”
Despite the progress for women of color, Dawes also acknowledged the challenges she faced as a pioneer in a less diverse era. “You’re not only representing your country, but I was also representing my race,” she said. While gymnastics shaped her life positively, Dawes has chosen not to enroll her children in elite gymnastics, protecting them from the hardships she endured.
National Urban League Celebrating Black Women During Annual Conference
It’s been 40 years since Vanessa Williams graced the stage to become the first Black woman crowned Miss America. Since her victory in 1984, only seven other Black women have gone on to win the title of the national competition, celebrating the standard of beauty, success, service, and scholarship. The National Urban League (NUL) is honoring these women during its annual conference held in New Orleans for 2024.
“The eight women who achieved this highest honor, I’m so impressed because while they were running for Miss America, they were also lawyers, pastors, business people, and veterinarians,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “These are accomplished women beyond being ‘beauty queens.’ I think it’s important to showcase, particularly to young women, but also to those of us who watched them win [to hear] where they have been and what they have done.”
NUL Honoring Black Women As Vice President Kamala Harris Vies For White House
NUL leaders are paying tribute to these women, who have broken barriers and challenged America’s beauty standards as the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President now eyes the White House after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection. While NUL is a nonpartisan nonprofit that does not endorse political candidates, Morial says this year’s conference is on track to be among the largest in recent history. He ascribes attendance to the unease people are feeling regarding the current state of affairs.
“There’s anxiety in the community,” Morial says. “It’s an election year. People are very concerned about the future of the country. They’re coming for information and inspiration, and they come for networking and to bond with people who are like-minded.”
Annual Conference Is A ‘Purpose With A Party’
The national conference, or what Morial calls a “purpose with a party,” is a week of programming for what organizers say is the largest gathering on civil rights and urban advocacy in the nation.
With less than three months until the general election, Morial says NUL’s focus is the “Three D’s,” the organization’s call to action for the election cycle: defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty. NUL’s “Reclaim Your Vote” campaign is also activated, which is a nationwide grassroots initiative to increase minority turnout at the polls.
“Under defend democracy, we will be encouraging people to register, educate themselves, and vote,” says Morial. “Under demand diversity, we are strongly promoting and defending corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion […] in all elements of life. When we say defeat poverty, it is about overcoming the wealth and income gaps that exist in America.”
It’s not too late to register for the National Urban League conference to attend both in-person and virtual events. The conference will be held from July 22 through July 27. Speakers for 2024 include Alaysia Black Hackett, chief diversity and equity officer for the U.S. Department of Labor; Samantha Tweedy, CEO of the Black Economic Alliance; Arian Simone of The Fearless Fund, Tennessee State Representative; Justin J. Pearson; and many more.
Black women who have previously been crowned Miss America will be honored at the Women of Power Awards Luncheon on July 25 from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Registration is not required for the Community and Family Day Expo on July 27.
“Family and Community Day is where we have free backpack giveaways, career fairs, and a whole host of things,” Morial added.
LeBron James To Be Team USA Flag Bearer At Olympics’ Opening Ceremony
'It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together.'
As the NBA career of LeBron James winds down, the honors have not. The future Hall of Famer will serve as one of Team USA’s flag-bearers at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.
According to an announcement by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, James, who is making his fourth appearance as an Olympian, was selected by fellow Team USA athletes to carry the flag for the July 26 ceremony. He is the third basketball player, and first male, to receive this honor. Dawn Staley was the first female basketball player in 2004 and Sue Bird carried the American flag in 2020.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said in a written statement. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians, and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry nominated James on behalf of the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
“We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor—and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together.”
The opening ceremony will take place July 26, 1:30 p.m. Eastern, along the Seine River. It will air live on NBC.
Win With Black Men Fundraises $1.3 Million For Kamala Harris
'At this critical moment in our nation’s history we must all work with a fierce urgency to elect Vice President Kamala Harris to the presidency.'
Following the success of the Win With Black Women Zoom call, which raised over $1.5 million dollars from 44,000 donors on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign for the presidency, the brother organization, Win With Black Men, repeated the effort. It raised over $1.3 million from over 17,000 donors.
— Win With Black Women (@WinWithBLKWomen) July 22, 2024
Win With Black Men started 4 months ago and we just started planning the barbershop tour, fast forward to now through Win With Black Women we’re about to co lead one of the biggest minority grassroots movements in history to elect our first Woman Black President. https://t.co/RoRVYxOool
Update on #WinWithBlackMen call tonight: 4 hrs 220k+ YT views 45k+ attendees on Streamyard 17k+ donors $1.3 million+ raised to support @KamalaHarris & Black Male organizing
According to The Hill, ahead of the call, Black men were urged to support the vice president in her presidential bid. The Alpha PAC, one of the country’s most well-known and accomplished Black male PACs, endorsed Harris’s candidacy. In a statement, Everett B. Ward, the chair of the PAC, called Harris the clear choice for the nation’s future.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s history we must all work with a fierce urgency to elect Vice President Kamala Harris to the presidency,” Ward said. “She has demonstrated throughout her public service career a commitment to delivering justice for all, protecting our freedoms, and paving the way for economic opportunity for all Americans. This November the choice is clear between a proven leader in Vice President Harris and a twice-impeached, convicted felon, culture war flame thrower, and pathological liar who has been found liable for sexual assault and massive fraud.”
Roland S. Martin and the Black Star Network responded by hosting a four-hour Zoom call on July 22 that featured Khalil Thompson, the executive director of Win With Black Men; Bakari Sellers, a lawyer and frequent CNN political commentator; Michael Blake, the founder & CEO of Kairos Democracy and Atlas Strategy Group; and Quentin James, president of The Collective PAC & the Vote To Live Action Fund.
According to the New Pittsburgh Courier, a recurring theme on the call was protection. “Let’s protect Kamala,” Sellers said on the call. “Let’s be with her like she was there for us. We are going to disagree a lot. But let’s put the petty bickering aside. Let’s stand up and be the Black men who change this country.”
“Sisters, as they always do, have been leading the charge, and we’re trying to catch up to them,” Thompson told the outlet. “We’re really excited to see this groundswell of support. I remember when my father took me and my brothers to the Million Man March back in 1995. We want to have that same groundswell and that feeling. This is about us showing up and making the best decisions for our community…It’s about electing and hiring people that are going to represent our communities and bring the best for our communities back when they’re in office.
“I think we have to support our communities and our brothers who are frustrated,” Thompson continued. “But there is not one person that has been elected to office that’s a perfect human being because none of us are. And so, making sure that there’s not a litmus test or a purity test that we’re going to hold one particular party to and not hold the other to. I think that is a detriment to us all. It is important that I believe we show up and support Kamala Harris. I think when we make it about one particular person, then each election is just about that person. We are calling for a transformative moment.”
Body-Cam Reveals White Cop Shot Sonya Massey Without ‘Alleged Threat’
Two deputies, including Sean Grayson, responded to the call, who shot and killed Massey in her own home, did not activate his device until after he shot her, according to authorities.
After many accounts on Twitter/X warned that the body cam video of the killing of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Illinois mother of two, would be graphic, upsetting and traumatizing, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney released the video to the public on July 22.
The release had been initially postponed by Massey’s family due to her funeral, but it depicts a woman who called police for help being shot and killed by Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson while following his orders.
According to WAND News, Sonya Massey called 9-1-1 shortly before 1 a.m. on July 6 to report that she thought there might be a burglar in her home. Two deputies, including Grayson, responded to her call. One had his body cam on as protocol dictated, but Grayson, who authorities say shot and killed Massey in her own home, did not activate his device until after he shot her.
The deputies who reported to that scene said shots had been fired at approximately 1:21 a.m.
According to the prosecution, Grayson told Massey to move a pot of water that she had heating up on the stove but before she could actually move the pot, he “aggressively yelled” at Massey and pulled out his 9mm service weapon. Massey responded by putting her hands in the air and saying “I’m sorry” and tried to duck for cover, but Grayson shot her in the face. Experts say Massey was considered “not a reasonable threat” at the time she was killed.
Grayson attempted to keep the other deputy from helping Massey. “The other deputy still rendered aid and stayed with Ms. Massey until medical help arrived,” said Mary Rodgers, first assistant state attorney. Grayson, however “at no time attempted to render aid to Ms. Massey.”
According to Time Magazine, after Massey told the deputies “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” Grayson apparently took exception. “You better f-cking not, I swear to God. I’ll f-cking shoot you right in your f-cking face.” Grayson warned.
Grayson was later charged with first-degree murder and fired. In addition to the murder charge, Grayson also faces charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and a charge of official misconduct. According to Time, attorney Benjamin Crump told the family at the funeral that the footage would show a crime on the level of Emmett Till, George Floyd, LaQuan McDonald, and George Floyd.
The father of Sonya Massey, who was shot and killed in her home by a sheriff’s deputy, says initially he was under the impression that she was killed by an intruder.@AttorneyCrump says body camera footage of the incident is “one of the worst videos of a police shooting ever.” pic.twitter.com/0rNTG3PzXp
I am not sharing the video of Sonya Massey being murdered. I am asking how the cop that killed her got the job in the first place with two prior DUI's & 5 other police departments in the same area showing him the door in a matter of months. He never should have been hired
That cop was antagonistic from the moment he stepped onto Sonya Massey’s porch. He saw she was uncomfortable with his threatening presence and he used that to escalate a situation that should’ve ended at her doorstep. She should be alive today.
Tonight I spoke on the House floor to reiterate the call for justice and accountability that Sonya and her family deserve, and that our community needs to heal. pic.twitter.com/9RQmeSIEiT
Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today.
Sonya’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.
James Wilburn, Massey’s father, said at the press conference, “The only time I’m going to see my baby again is when I leave this world. The people of Sangamon County have been great, but I want to tell y’all the Sheriff here is an embarrassment. This man should have never had a badge, he should have never had a gun, he should have never been given the opportunity to kill my child.”
Wilburn also called for the resignation of Sheriff Jack, Campbell, preferably “in the next 12 hours.”
“We’re asking for full transparency on every level,” Crump said at the press conference. “How he was hired, the 9-1-1 calls, the communications, all of the video, everything. We won’t stop. We’re not satisfied with charges. We won’t be satisfied until we get whole justice for Sonya Massey.”
Crump also criticized Grayson’s actions. “If you’re in fear for your life, you don’t walk towards the person,” Crump said. “He could’ve did any number of things. He could’ve created distance, he could’ve used a taser, he could’ve called for backup.”
According to The State Journal Register, even criminologists, experts in reviewing body cam footage, are disturbed by the video. “Maybe it’s because of the familiarity of the community and the police department involved,” said Ryan Williams, a criminologist and criminal justice professor at the University of Illinois-Springfield. “It was really hard to watch. There were parts I had to fast forward through. I have more questions than I have answers.”
“It was senseless on every level,” Crump said. “There’s a narration (by Grayson) to the tragedy. It’s troubling.” Crump likened the shooting to those of Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, and Pamela Turner. “There was no real accountability. These Black women died, and America has blood on its hands.”
Fact Check: Do People On The Market To Buy A Home Have To Sign An Agreement With A Real Estate Agent First?
Buyers should only work with agents who provide written agreements.
Changes are underway for people on the market to buy a home with a real estate agent. Beginning as early as August 17, potential home buyers must enter a written agreement with an agent before touring a home.
The changes are part of a settlement agreement following the federal class-action lawsuit Burnett v. National Association of Realtors (NAR) et al. NAR is a trade association with more than 1.5 million members working in the real estate industry who subscribe to a strict code of ethics.
Buying a home is a complex process, which is likely why more than 86% of Americans use a real estate agent or broker to navigate the confusion. When homebuyers work with an agent, the agent usually collects a percentage of the final sale. Traditionally, the commission is anywhere between 5-6%. Both parties (buyer and seller) can see this commission on the settlement statement they receive from the closing agent or attorney. While this payment arrangement has been used for the last several decades, the plaintiffs argued are paying a portion of the buyer’s agent commission and don’t know. The plaintiffs also argue because of this scheme, NAR inflated home prices.
On October 31, 2023, a federal jury sided with the plaintiffs against NAR and several other large real estate brokers. They agreed to pay $418 million in damages and make some changes in their practices related to commission transparency. As a result, potential buyers must enter into a written agreement with an agent outlining how commissions are paid.
So, What Does This Mean For Buyers and Sellers?
Through the written agreement there will be transparency around compensation between real estate professionals and consumers, specifically buyers.
“There has always been a mandate for sellers to have an agreement, but there has not been one for buyers,” Nate Johnson, a St. Louis Realtor for more than 25 years, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Historically, buyers have not always been aware of how much the agent they’re working with is getting paid, yet the buyer is basically paying [the commission] through the price of the home. It’s the listing agent, the person whom the seller hires, who has historically determined what that buyer agent will earn.”
With the changes, the buyer and the buyer’s agents now decide the compensation the agent will receive.
“In most cases, the agent is going to make their best effort to collect that fee from the seller of the home. In the event that the seller is not willing to pay that compensation, then the buyer would be responsible for it,” says Johnson. “The buyer could request the seller pay for that compensation through the written agreement through the sale contract.”
According to Johnson, the written agreement details what services the buyer will receive from their representative in addition to agent compensation.
Why Buyers Should Only Work With Agents Who Provide Written Agreements
Buyers should know that agents who don’t provide written agreements are in violation of the new rules. “Working with an agent without that agreement is a big red flag. You should be in that agreement prior to viewing homes,” Johnson says.
He adds that buyers, especially first-time homeowners, should not be deterred from working with an agent because of the rule changes. These types of agreements have always existed. The changes mean that every agent is required to have one.
“Homebuyers may opt not to be represented and purchase a home without the assistance of a Realtor or an agent because they fear they will have to pay for that compensation, and they need all the money for the downpayment or closing costs,” Johnson says.
He adds, “A big concern we have in the industry is that most homebuyers don’t know what they don’t know, especially first-time homebuyers. Going on it alone without representation could mean setting yourself up for disaster because they are then relying on the agent who’s representing the seller.”
