OpenAccess
ProcessGuidesTools

Clarity. Choice. Control.

The Consumer. You Decide.

Framework

Foundation of the Standard

  • Consumer Bill of Rights
  • Open Access Manifesto
  • Governance Charter
  • National Oversight Framework

Consumer Protection

What protects the public

  • Compensation Transparency
  • Referral Disclosure
  • Service Scope
  • Conflict of Interest

Advisor Standards

Who earns the right to operate

  • Advisor Affirmation
  • Transparency Score
  • Verified Levels

Governance & Access

How the system stays accountable

  • National Standards Council
  • Public Records
  • Standards Updates
  • Report a Concern
Open Access.RealEstate

Open Access provides educational information and transparency resources for public interest purposes. Open Access is not a real estate brokerage and does not provide professional advice. No agency or fiduciary relationship is created. Consumers independently select with licensed professionals.

For full disclosures, see our Terms of Use and Legal & Disclosures.

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OPEN ACCESS - A CONSUMER-FIRST REAL ESTATE UTILITY

The Real Estate
Consumer Bill of Rights.

Clear standards for transparency, choice, and control in real estate transactions

ClarityChoiceControlYou Decide

Purpose

Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will make.

Consumers should have access to clear information, fair options, and full transparency before making commitments.

This Bill of Rights outlines the standards every consumer should expect when working with real estate professionals or service providers.

Right to Transparency

All costs should be disclosed and explained in plain language.

You have the right to:

  • Know how every professional in your transaction is paid
  • Receive a clear explanation of all fees and compensation
  • Understand who is responsible for payment
  • Receive written agreements before services begin

Right to Choice

Real estate services should not be one-size-fits-all.

You have the right to:

  • Choose your level of service
  • Compare multiple service options
  • Select providers based on your needs and budget
  • Decline services you do not want

Right to Negotiation

There are no required or standard fees. All fees are negotiable.

You have the right to:

  • Negotiate all commissions and fees
  • Ask for alternative pricing structures
  • Request different service levels
  • Review all terms before agreeing

Right to Full Information

You should never feel pressured to sign without time to review.

You have the right to:

  • Receive clear explanations of contracts before signing
  • Understand agreement length and cancellation terms
  • Know your responsibilities and your provider's responsibilities
  • Receive updates and communication throughout the transaction

Right to Representation Clarity

You should always know whose interests are being represented.

You have the right to:

  • Know who represents you in the transaction
  • Understand agency relationships
  • Be informed of any potential conflicts of interest
  • Receive written disclosure of representation status

Right to Options in Compensation Structure

Compensation structure should be explained before you begin working together.

You have the right to:

  • Understand how compensation may be structured
  • Know what happens if seller contributions change
  • Understand any out-of-pocket costs
  • Request alternative payment structures when available

Right to No Pressure

No consumer should feel rushed into a financial commitment.

You have the right to:

  • Take time to review agreements
  • Seek a second opinion
  • Compare providers
  • Ask questions before making decisions

Right to Professional Conduct

All recommendations should be based on your goals, not provider incentives.

You have the right to:

  • Honest communication
  • Accurate information
  • Written documentation of key terms
  • Respectful and professional service

Consumer Responsibility

Your Role.

Consumers also play an important role.
Informed decisions lead to better outcomes.

You should:

  • 1
    Ask questions when something is unclear
  • 2
    Review agreements before signing
  • 3
    Confirm costs and responsibilities in writing
  • 4
    Communicate your goals and expectations

Open Access Statement

Open Access is a consumer-first real estate utility.

Our mission is to provide clear information so consumers understand their rights, options, and responsibilities before making real estate decisions.

Transparency builds trust.•Choice creates flexibility.•Information supports better decisions.

You Decide