What is 'procuring cause' and why does it matter for commission disputes?

PROCURING CAUSE determines which broker is entitled to a co-op commission when multiple brokers were involved in a transaction. The NAR arbitration process uses procuring cause when a dispute arises. Key factors in procuring cause determination: who first introduced the buyer to the property; who maintained an uninterrupted series of events leading to the sale; was there a break in representation? Did the buyer work with another broker in between? Typical scenario: Buyer sees home at open house with Broker A, then contacts Broker B and writes an offer with them. Broker A claims procuring cause (they showed it first); Broker B claims it (they wrote the offer). NAR arbitrators weigh all circumstances. Brokers must document all buyer contacts to protect their procuring cause position.