What You Need to Know About Real Estate Commissions

You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. In last month's newsletter, we gave a summary of the changes. Now we'd like to dig a little deeper, to let you know how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you. If you are a buyer, click here. If you are a seller, click here. And if you're just a regular old human, read 'em both!

Voting Rights

There's a pretty important election coming up in November! We are big proponents of making your voice heard; unfortunately, a sharp increase in voter suppression laws is threatening access to voting all across the country. The non-partisan Brennan Center provides this thorough summary, but just a few alarming examples include:

• Making it a crime to distribute food or water to voters waiting in line

• Purging voter registration lists without notice

• Severely limiting the availability and accessibility of mail ballot drop boxes

We encourage you to take action to increase access to voting this election!

• Boost voter participation by writing, making calls, texting, or traveling to a swing state to volunteer;

• Share reliable information on voting, like this from the Citizen Connect website;

• Know your rights and spread the knowledge–for example, if you’re in line before the polls close, you must be allowed to vote.

A quick note to Massachusetts voters: there are five ballot questions this year, and they’re not all straightforward. Do your research before you head to the polls.

Local News and Events

Free Pre-K in Cambridge

There are so many reasons we love living and working in Cambridge, and now there's a new one: universal pre-K. For children who are 4 years old by 8/31 (and some 3-year-olds), applications for the 2025-2026 school year open on 10/1.

19th Annual Fluff Fest

Celebrate Somerville’s proud tradition of innovation at What the Fluff! There will be live music, fluffalicious feasts, sticky games, zany happenings, and much more. The event takes place on Saturday, September 21 from 2-6pm in Union Square (rain date Sunday, September 22).

Liz & Ellie Local

Liz Lyster & Ellie Botshon

Residential Advisors

M: 617.444.9644

lizandellie@compass.com

lizandellie.com