- Splits and Caps
- Posts
- Paywall
Paywall
A Texas broker says NAR’s MLS dues aren’t membership — they’re ransom
Splits and Caps Daily: Action for Agents
September 9, 2025
📈 Market Move:
Texas Transparency Tussle
Texas broker Lou Eytalis is basically saying: “Why should I pay a cover charge just to get into the MLS club?”
She’s suing NAR and local associations, arguing that forcing brokers to join (and pay dues) just to access MLS data is anti-competitive. A judge tossed her case, but now she’s appealing — and asking the court for a temporary restraining order so she doesn’t have to cut checks while the legal fight drags on.
Her pitch: These dues are draining small brokerages, limiting competition, and leaving consumers with fewer options. NAR’s pitch: “Nope, we’re protecting value, transparency, and fairness.”
Zoom out → This is part of a bigger wave of antitrust battles circling NAR. They’ve won some early rounds, but brokers like Eytalis are poking at the same weak spot: MLS access is the choke point, and NAR’s pay-to-play rules keep the gate locked.
If the courts ever swing her way? It could blow up the current MLS/association revenue model. For now, it’s just a skirmish — but one that hits NAR where it hurts: its membership wallet.
🌟Quote of the Day:
“The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit of doing them.” — Benjamin Jowett
⚡ Quick Win:
Digital Detox Dash – Delete one app that wastes your time (looking at you, Candy Crush / Reddit / endless scrolling). Watch your brain breathe again.
🎉 Fun Fact of the Day:
Canine Accommodations: 🐕 Some luxury condos have dog spas with treadmills, grooming stations, and pools. Your labradoodle has a better life than you.
📚 Book Recommendation:
“Originals” by Adam Grant — This one flips the script on how new ideas actually win. Spoiler: it’s not the wild-eyed risk-takers who change the world — it’s often the cautious procrastinators who test, tweak, and time things right.
Grant digs into stories like how Warby Parker’s founders dragged their feet for months before launching… and still built a billion-dollar brand. Or how MLK didn’t even plan the “I Have a Dream” line — he riffed it in the moment.
The punchline: being “original” isn’t about being first or fearless. It’s about spotting opportunities others overlook, and pushing your weird idea just far enough that the world catches up.
Read this if you’re sitting on an idea but telling yourself you’re “too late” or “not ready.” That hesitation? It might be your unfair advantage.
Momentum is already on your side. Don’t waste it.
Reply