There’s been a significant appointment at the Department of Justice that should grab the attention of everyone in the real estate industry. Roger Alford, a Notre Dame law professor with deep antitrust experience and a key expert witness in the 2023 Sitzer/Burnett case against NAR, has been named Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. That’s a strong signal of where things may be heading.
Alford has made his views on NAR’s practices clear—particularly the Clear Cooperation Policy and MLS rules that tie access to REALTOR® membership. In his testimony and published work, he’s criticized these as tools to maintain monopoly control, limit competition, and prevent innovation. With Alford helping lead the Antitrust Division, it’s likely we’ll see increased federal pressure on longstanding industry practices.
Here in the St. Louis metro area, MARIS—our regional MLS—has taken a forward-looking stance. MARIS, which serves the metro and surrounding areas, has been actively working to address key issues early and stay ahead of regulatory changes. As Vice Chairman of the MARIS Board, I’ve seen firsthand the effort to prioritize transparency, flexibility, and broker protection while preparing for what’s ahead.
Real estate is changing fast, and those who adapt will thrive. At MORE, REALTORS®, we continue to push for transparency and consumer-first practices while equipping agents with tools and coaching to compete in this evolving landscape. Stay tuned—we’ll be ready for what comes next.
