One of the most difficult decisions agents and brokers must make is determining what changes to implement in your business. For example, when you buy a new computer or get a new mobile device, you’re forced into dealing with all the changes in the new operating systems plus the additional hassle of having to set everything up. This in turn disrupts your current systems as it takes extra time to learn the new system. Frustration and anger are common, especially when you liked the old system better than the one your provider just forced you to use.

NAR’s decision to settle the Spitzer and Moerhl means that the entire industry will be confronted by the most significant change we have ever experienced. Let’s face it—we’re facing chaos, whether we like it or not.

Nevertheless, with chaos there is opportunity. Those who are willing to adapt to these changes now can dramatically increase their market share from those who refuse to change.

I once heard someone describe a detour as “a temporary inconvenience” for a long-term improvement. The next time you hesitate about trying something new, ask yourself about the benefits of making the change. As a rule of thumb, the sooner you make necessary smaller changes, the less big and painful changes you will experience. Also, positive changes usually result in more efficiency and less hassle in the long run, just like the aggravating detour.

I certainly hope this is the case with this change in buyer compensation, but this detour is going to be a very rocky road for the entire industry.