T
he recent changes to National Association of Realtors rules in Chicago have sparked discussions about their impact on business practices, but top brokers say the transition has been relatively smooth. The new regulations, which include a ban on listing commissions and signed buyer's broker agreements prior to showings, have not led to widespread upheaval as some predicted. Managing broker Earl Ruthman of CENTURY 21 Circle dismissed concerns of disruption, labeling those who predicted chaos "the Karens of real estate." Agents like Cari Zweig-Driscoll of Wexler Gault Group agree that the adjustments are mainly logistical and have added more paperwork, but not changed the core of real estate transactions. Some agents have seen a 0.25 percent increase in commission rates since the rule changes. Brokerage bosses emphasize the importance of professionalism in this new landscape, with Andrea Geller from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago noting that agents who don't stay informed about industry developments are struggling to adapt.