Brokers' body resolves differences with MagicBricks after disrespect row

The National Association of Realtors-India (NAR-India), a national body of RERA-registered and approved brokers, announced that it has decided to renew its engagement with MagicBricks Realty Services. This comes after NAR-India had alleged that the online real estate portal was disrespecting, misrepresenting and marginalising real estate brokers.

 

“MagicBricks and NAR-India have resolved earlier differences and are aligned in their commitment to ethical practices, accountability and long-term development of the industry,” the bodies said in a joint statement. 

 

In May this year, NAR India had directed its members to cease all listings, advertisements, and business transactions with MagicBricks and avoid all engagement with the platform. 

 

This came in the wake of certain campaign videos being posted by MagicBricks, which were seen as disrespectful by the brokers' body. 

 

Terming the videos a commercially exploitative step, NAR-India had said that MagicBricks' recent marketing campaigns have crossed a line, projecting a narrative that undermines the brokerage profession while continuing to profit from the same ecosystem.

 

While the online portal had removed the said videos, NAR-India remained steadfast on ceasing all engagement until a formal apology and a written commitment were issued.

 

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, NAR-India said that MagicBricks took constructive and corrective steps, including the removal of objectionable content, in reaffirmation of its respect for the dignity and professionalism of the realtor community.    

 

“Reciprocating the same, members of NAR-India, who had extended support to the boycott MagicBricks campaign, will now unequivocally withdraw those actions and acknowledge MagicBricks’ contribution to realtors on the same platform,” the statement added.