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!
Nevada has enacted a first‑in‑the‑nation law permitting insurers to sell homeowners policies that exclude wildfire coverage, a move supporters say could help stabilize premiums but critics warn may leave homeowners financially devastated. The policy shift positions Nevada as a testing ground for potential nationwide changes, raising major implications for real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals as lenders, high‑risk communities, and regulators navigate the evolving landscape.
Tampa Bay’s office sector just delivered its most powerful year in nearly a decade, according to JLL’s Q4 2025 report. With more than 600,000 square feet of positive net absorption, falling vacancies, shrinking inventory, and major tenants like Fisher Investments and GEICO locking in massive leases, the region is emerging as one of the nation’s strongest post‑recovery office markets. The surge in demand for high‑quality space is driving rents up, tightening supply, and setting the stage for continued momentum into 2026.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new updates to the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, expanding data collection, tightening verification standards, and refreshing record‑retention rules. These changes aim to strengthen background checks, enhance regulatory oversight, and align the system with federal requirements—impacting both current and aspiring mortgage loan originators nationwide.
Nevada has become the first state to let insurers sell homeowners policies that exclude wildfire coverage — a dramatic shift that could reshape insurance pricing across the West. Supporters say the move may lower premiums and spark innovation, while critics warn it could leave homeowners exposed to devastating losses. As regulators and insurers nationwide watch closely, the experiment could have major implications for real estate, mortgages, and insurance markets.
After years of soaring premiums and insurer failures, Florida lawmakers are rolling out a new slate of reforms aimed at finally delivering relief to homeowners. From cracking down on profit‑sharing affiliates to unveiling hidden rate factors and rewarding claim‑free residents, these proposals could reshape the state’s insurance landscape — and bring real savings to property owners and real estate professionals alike.
With traditional CRE lending slowing nationwide, C‑PACE financing is surging to all‑time highs — including a record‑setting $465 million loan for a major D.C. redevelopment. Backed by long repayment terms, fixed rates, and tax‑assessment security, C‑PACE is rapidly becoming a preferred tool for funding energy efficiency, resiliency upgrades, and even large‑scale project recapitalizations. Major players like Nuveen Green Capital and Peachtree Group are driving billions in new volume as 40 states adopt the program, signaling a major shift in how commercial real estate projects are financed.
