Nevada committee hears bill requiring residential brokerage agreements be written

Assemblymember Cynthia Moore, sponsor of Assembly Bill 258, told the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor that AB258 would align Nevada law with a national settlement and require brokerage agreements to be in writing for residential transactions. "I'm bringing AB 258 forward to make sure Nevada is following the National Association of Realtor Settlement Agreement," Assemblymember Cynthia Moore said.

The bill aims to eliminate oral brokerage agreements in residential real estate and make written agreements the statewide standard. "A written agreement provides transparency, helps buyers and sellers understand the role of their broker, the scope of the services being provided, and the associated costs," Brandon Roberts, president of Nevada Realtors, testified in support.

Supporters said the change is intended to protect consumers and increase clarity in transactions. Under current Nevada law, some brokerage agreements may be oral; AB258 would remove that option for residential brokerage agreements while leaving existing commercial requirements in place, proponents said. Roberts told the committee the National Association of Realtors' settlement recommends that brokerage agreements be in writing before performing any service, including showing homes.

Committee members did not raise substantive objections during the hearing and no callers provided public testimony in support, opposition or neutral positions. Chair Marzola closed the hearing after the sponsor offered brief closing remarks.

Why it matters: Proponents said requiring written agreements will increase transparency about services and fees in real estate transactions. The bill would apply to residential brokerage agreements and, according to witnesses, extend the written-agreement requirement to all real estate licensees regulated under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 645.

Details and context: Supporters noted commercial brokerage agreements are already required to be written under existing statutes; AB258 would make residential agreements conform. The sponsor identified Brandon Roberts (Nevada Realtors) and other industry representatives as presenters. No formal committee action or vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.

What’s next: The hearing record closed with no recorded votes. The bill will proceed through the legislative process and may return for committee work sessions or amendments before any final action.