In our ever-changing world of real estate, keeping up with the paperwork is about more than just checking boxes, it’s about transparency and trust.
With the December 2025 release of new and revised forms from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.), we have an important new addition to our transaction toolkit: the Realtor Acknowledgement and Disclosure (RAD) Form.
While new forms might sound like dry industry news, this one is actually a big win for clarity in the real estate process. Whether you are buying a home, selling one, or you are an agent navigating these changes, here is a detailed look at what the RAD form is and why it matters.
What is the RAD Form?
The RAD (Realtor Acknowledgement and Disclosure) form acts as a standardized “transparency sheet.” Its primary job is to clearly disclose referral fees and other forms of compensation that might be happening behind the scenes of a transaction.
In the past, if one agent referred a client to another agent (for example, if you were moving to a different city and your local agent introduced you to an expert in that area), there was often a “referral fee” paid between brokers. While this is a standard and legal industry practice, the disclosure of these fees wasn’t always prominent to the consumer. The RAD form changes that by putting this information front and center.
How This Affects Home Buyers and Sellers
For consumers, this form is all about empowerment through information.
- Total Transparency: You will now have a clear understanding of who is being compensated in your transaction. If your agent is receiving a fee for referring you to a vendor or another broker, or if they are paying a fee to someone else who referred you to them, you will see it in black and white.
- No “Hidden” Costs: It is important to note that a referral fee usually comes out of the agent’s commission, not your pocket. However, knowing that a fee exists helps you understand the relationships involved.
- Peace of Mind: When you sign the RAD form, you are acknowledging that you have been fully informed. It eliminates the feeling that “deals are being made” without your knowledge, ensuring you can trust that your agent is acting with integrity.
If you want to work with a Realtor who complains and keeps track of these new updates, follow this guide about essential questions to ask a realtor.
How This Affects Realtors®
For real estate professionals, the RAD form is a shield that supports compliance and builds professional credibility.
- Standardized Compliance: Instead of relying on ad-hoc disclosures or burying referral language in massive contracts, the RAD form provides a dedicated, C.A.R.-approved vessel for these disclosures. This reduces liability and ensures you are meeting your fiduciary duty to disclose material facts.
- Clarifying “referrals” vs. “leads”: The form helps distinguish between a licensed broker-to-broker referral (which is standard) and other types of lead generation costs, helping agents stay on the right side of RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) guidelines.
- Building Trust: Presenting this form proactively shows your clients that you have nothing to hide. It frames you as an honest professional who values their right to know how the business works.
The introduction of the RAD form is part of a larger shift in the real estate industry toward maximum transparency. By clearly communicating compensation structures, we ensure that every party, buyer, seller, and agent, is on the same page from day one.
As we move into 2026, you can expect to see this form in your transaction packages. It’s just one more way we are working to make your real estate experience as open, honest, and professional as possible.
Why choose Healdsburg Sotheby’s International Realty Realtor Emily Martin?
Emily has called California home for over a decade and likes to think of herself as a California “native.” Learning at a young age from her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top-producing real estate agent for 45+ years, Emily has been immersed in real estate all of her life. As a homeowner in her early 20s in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, followed by San Francisco, and now Healdsburg, Emily understands the intricacies of home ownership in highly sought-after regions such as Manhattan, San Francisco, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and her beloved hometown of Healdsburg, California.
With an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship and over 25 years of luxury marketing experience with prestigious brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., Emily brings sophisticated market knowledge and business acumen to every transaction. Now affiliated with Healdsburg Sotheby’s International Realty, she combines the power of a globally recognized luxury brand with personalized, dedicated client service.
Whether clients are buying their dream home, purchasing a second home, selling a cherished property, or investing in the market, Emily is here to make their dreams a reality. Her extensive luxury experience, attention to customer service, marketing expertise, strong work ethic, and passion enable her to provide a level of service that is truly distinctive.
Unmatched Luxury Expertise
With a deep-rooted understanding of the luxury market, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into luxury goods, sales, and lifestyle. Whether clients are buying or selling, she has the expertise to navigate the world of real estate and the Healdsburg Luxury Homes market.
A Tradition of Excellence
With a family legacy spanning four decades in real estate, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a tradition. Emily is committed to upholding the impeccable reputation her mother, Linda K. Martin, a top North Shore Chicago agent, has built by delivering nothing short of excellence to her clients.
Unwavering Dedication & Passion
Emily is dedicated to her clients’ success. From the moment they embark on this journey together, she provides unwavering support, guidance, and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. When asked to describe Emily, the first words that come to her clients ‘ minds are passionate, energetic, experienced, and dependable.
Explore the Luxury Lifestyle in Healdsburg’s Wine Country
Luxury real estate is not just about properties; it’s about a lifestyle. It’s about finding the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and comfort that feels like home. It’s the feeling clients get when they walk into their dream home.
Contact Sonoma Realtor Emily Martin today at: emily@HealdsburgLuxuryLiving.com or 707-926-3200 to begin an extraordinary real estate experience. Together, you’ll create a story worth telling, a life worth living, and a legacy worth building.