H 449
An Act eliminating forced broker's fees
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to eliminate ‘forced broker’s fees’ in Massachusetts, which are fees charged to homebuyers by real estate brokers that are not directly tied to a commission. The legislation seeks to increase transparency and control for consumers involved in the home buying process. It intends to regulate how these fees are calculated and potentially limit their amount. This bill is part of a broader effort to protect consumers and ensure fair practices in the real estate industry.
Key provisions
- Requires real estate brokers to disclose how broker’s fees are calculated.
- Limits the amount of broker’s fees that can be charged to homebuyers.
- Prohibits brokers from charging fees for services not explicitly agreed upon.
- Establishes a process for consumers to challenge excessive broker’s fees.
- Creates a reporting requirement for brokers regarding their fees.
Who is affected
- Homebuyers in Massachusetts
- Real estate brokers in Massachusetts
- Real estate agents in Massachusetts
- Consumers
- The real estate industry
Notable changes
- This bill introduces regulations regarding broker's fees, which were previously largely unregulated.
- It aims to shift the responsibility of fee negotiation from the buyer to the broker.
- The bill could lead to changes in standard real estate transaction practices.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Tram T. Nguyen
Cosponsors
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
Homar Gómez
Lindsay N. Sabadosa
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.449 194th (Current)
An Act eliminating forced broker's fees
By Representative Nguyen of Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 449) of Tram T. Nguyen and others for legislation to further regulate broker's fees. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Tram T. Nguyen
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.449
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 |
| 11/17/2025 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H4733 |
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