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!
Local elections across major U.S. cities have kicked off a wave of policy changes that could reshape development costs, rental income, and investment strategies heading into 2026. From NYC’s aggressive tenant‑protection agenda to Chicago’s sustainability push, Miami’s political uncertainty, and Boston’s steady zoning overhaul, the post‑election environment is redefining how real estate professionals, investors, and lenders should prepare for the year ahead.
Insurance carriers are rapidly rolling out AI-related exclusions that strip coverage from claims involving AI tools, automated decision‑making, or generative platforms like ChatGPT and Midjourney. With firms like Berkley and Hamilton introducing sweeping “absolute” and generative‑AI‑specific exclusions, professionals in real estate, mortgage, insurance, and finance now face new liability gaps. As AI becomes unavoidable in everyday work, understanding these exclusions is essential for protecting your career and staying compliant in a fast‑changing risk environment.
Proptech startup Venn has raised a $52 million Series B to unify the entire renting lifecycle into one intelligent platform, replacing over a dozen traditional systems and serving more than half a million tenants. As AI‑powered tools like Venn rapidly reshape property operations, real estate professionals — especially in fast‑moving markets like Florida — will need stronger education and tech‑savvy skills to stay competitive.
Florida’s Gulf Coast is undergoing a dramatic transformation as soaring insurance premiums, costly construction requirements, and the long shadow of Hurricane Ian force middle‑class families, workers, and longtime residents out of communities they once anchored. With premiums topping $5,700 a year — and many paying far more — Realtors warn of looming foreclosures, renters face steep increases, and entire neighborhoods are being rebuilt for wealthier newcomers. This mounting crisis is reshaping the state’s real estate landscape and leaving professionals scrambling to adapt.
Economic uncertainty, rapid tech advances and shifting population patterns are setting the stage for a pivotal year in commercial real estate. New findings from the Counselors of Real Estate, presented at NAR NXT, outline ten major forces reshaping strategy, investment and opportunity in 2026—from policy impacts and portfolio risk to AI adoption, capital flow changes, housing attainability and demographic shifts. This outlook offers clarity and caution for professionals across real estate, mortgage, finance and related fields.
Florida’s home insurance crisis is back in the spotlight as new reforms appear to be repeating decades‑old mistakes. Despite efforts to depopulate Citizens and attract private insurers, many of the companies taking over policies have ties to past insolvencies. Critics say weak oversight, generous ratings, and political influence are allowing unstable insurers to thrive while homeowners pay more for less protection. Experts warn that without transparent ratings, real accountability, and unified regulation, Florida’s insurance market will remain vulnerable—putting property values, lending, and the broader real estate industry at risk.
