NCJAR News
New Jersey REALTORS® and brokerages should be aware of major updates coming to the state’s independent contractor rules. On May 5, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) formally adopted regulations clarifying how the state applies the “ABC test” when determining whether a worker is considered an independent contractor or an employee. The regulations are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
For industries like real estate that rely heavily on independent contractors, these changes are drawing significant attention.
What Is the ABC Test?
New Jersey already uses the ABC test to determine worker classification under laws including the:
- New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law
- Wage and Hour Law
- Wage Payment Law
Under the ABC test, workers are presumed to be employees unless the business can prove all three of the following:
U.S. existing-home sales fell 3.6% month-over-month and 1.0% year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), as tight supply and ongoing affordability challenges constrained activity. Sales declined month-over-month in all four regions. Year-over-year, sales increased in the South and West but fell in the Midwest and Northeast.
- Single Family Closed Sales were down 11.7 percent to 1,076.
- Townhouse-Condo Closed Sales were up 0.3 percent to 355.
- Adult Communities Closed Sales were up 16.7 percent to 49.
The Quarter Century Club honors NJ Realtor® members who have served as Realtors® or Realtor-Associates® faithfully in New Jersey for 25 years or more. The 2026 application is now available and must be submitted to Michelle Perrone Epstein, NCJAR COO at
No fee required.
Application Requirements:
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Quarter Century Club membership is open to all members of New Jersey Realtors® who have held an active, Realtor® or Realtor-Associate® membership with NJ Realtors® for 25 years or more.
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Proof of 25 years of membership must be submitted with your application. Obtaining proof is the responsibility of the applicant. You may utilize your local board(s)/association(s) to acquire the necessary paperwork. Note: An active license with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission does not constitute active membership status.
What You Get:
Many real estate professionals are already familiar with seller impersonation scams. A new threat is now emerging in which fraudsters pose as legitimate buyers to gain access to the devices, files, and sensitive information of real estate agents and brokerages.-
A prospective buyer refuses to meet in person or communicate by phone or text.
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The individual creates urgency and pressures you to “jump on a quick Zoom call.”
