Prospective homebuyers embarking on their journey this fall will encounter a new landscape in real estate commissions. The changes, implemented in August, mark a significant shift for the housing industry, brought about by the National Association of Realtors’ settlement of multiple lawsuits regarding agent commissions.
Traditionally, sellers have been responsible for paying both their agent and the buyer’s agent. However, the expectation for sellers to cover the buyer’s agent commission has been lifted, allowing for more flexibility in negotiations. Although sellers can still opt to pay, particularly in competitive markets, the decision now rests more with the buyers.
David M. Dworkin, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference, explains, “Some sellers continue to offer fee splitting, but now it’s up to the buyer to inquire, and the buyer’s agent will provide that information.”
Understanding the New Real Estate Commission Rules
The new regulations deconstruct the previous commission structure, empowering sellers to negotiate their agent’s fee. Now, before viewing homes, buyers must sign a contract with their agent, detailing the services provided and the fees involved.
In high-priced markets, the shift could benefit both parties. Buyers might see lower property taxes due to reduced home prices, while sellers could enjoy lower capital gains taxes. However, this new approach demands more research from buyers before engaging with real estate agents.
Interviewing Real Estate Agents
Experts recommend interviewing multiple agents, as buyer agreements are typically exclusive. “You want to ensure due diligence upfront,” advises Nitin Gupta, a broker associate with Competitive Edge Realty. Key questions should focus on the agent’s experience, fee structure, and communication style.
Negotiating Your Buyer’s Contract
Once an agent is selected, buyers must navigate the contract process. The Consumer Federation of America offers guidelines for evaluating these contracts. Buyers should ensure the commission structure is clear and negotiate terms such as fee amounts and contract duration.
For those interested in further details, the original article by Money provides an in-depth look at these changes and their implications. You can read more about it here.
“`
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Long Island’s commercial real estate market just smashed every previous record, hitting an unprecedented $4.1 billion in 2025 deal volume—up a massive 71.5 percent from the year before. A surge in specialty-use properties like assisted living centers and self-storage facilities fueled the boom, alongside hundreds of new transactions across Nassau and Suffolk counties. With investor confidence rebounding, interest rates easing, and new buyer profiles entering the scene, the region has become one of the hottest real estate markets to watch.
Federal cuts to housing oversight in 2026 are creating a nationwide regulatory scramble, with states—especially California—rapidly stepping in to fill the gap. As the CFPB reduces its enforcement role, lawmakers and agencies across the country are crafting their own rules on mortgage compliance, consumer protection, affordability, and even AI‑driven underwriting. For real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals, the message is clear: state regulations are becoming just as influential as federal policy, making ongoing education and compliance awareness more critical than ever.
The insurance industry poured an eye‑opening $172 million into federal lobbying in 2025, making it the fourth‑largest lobbying sector in the country. Medical insurers led the spending, but property and casualty giants weren’t far behind, with APCIA, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate all landing among the top contributors. And this is only federal spending—state‑level influence, where regulations are truly shaped, remains vastly underreported. For professionals in insurance, real estate, and finance, these lobbying efforts play a powerful role in shaping regulations, costs, and the competitive landscape.
Florida’s home insurance market saw a 3.35% non-renewal rate last year—a small percentage that translated into hundreds of thousands of homeowners suddenly losing coverage. Driven by repeated storm damage, soaring construction costs, heavy litigation, and insurers pulling back from high-risk areas, the state’s insurance landscape is rapidly shifting. Homeowners now face higher premiums, fewer options, and tougher underwriting, while professionals in real estate, mortgage, and insurance must stay informed to guide clients through a tightening market.
Florida’s recent tort reforms are doing far more than reshaping the state’s legal system—they’re driving down property and casualty insurance costs by an average of 14.5% and injecting over $4.2 billion into the state’s economy each year. With nearly 30,000 jobs supported and state and local governments seeing hundreds of millions in new tax revenue, the changes are already transforming Florida’s insurance market. Lawsuits have dropped, insurers are returning, and businesses and homeowners alike are reaping the benefits of a more balanced, competitive, and financially resilient environment.
Major commercial real estate firms are reporting strong revenue and renewed market activity, signaling a rebound in dealmaking and office demand. Yet even with record earnings, CEOs from CBRE, Colliers, and Marcus & Millichap spent much of their earnings calls addressing a growing concern: whether artificial intelligence could threaten traditional brokerage and valuation roles. While leaders insist that complex transactions still rely on human relationships and negotiation, AI‑related market jitters briefly pushed some CRE stocks down before they recovered.
