Real estate transaction

New Policy by REBNY Mandates Direct Payment to Buyer’s Agent

Transparency and Fairness in Real Estate Transactions Enhanced by Major Policy Change

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has made a groundbreaking announcement: a new policy that requires sellers to directly pay the buyer’s agent, effective from January 1. This significant shift aims to address issues of transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the real estate transaction process.

Transparency and Accountability: A New Era

In the existing system, listing brokers shoulder the responsibility of paying the buyer’s agent. This arrangement has raised eyebrows due to concerns about the lack of transparency regarding commission sharing and potential conflicts of interest. REBNY’s new policy, which requires sellers to directly pay the buyer’s agent, is an attempt to enhance transparency and accountability in real estate transactions.

Legal documents

The Backdrop: Lawsuits and Controversy

REBNY’s decision to implement this new policy comes amidst ongoing lawsuits related to commission sharing. Allegations of unethical practices, such as inadequate disclosure of commission splits, have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the current system. These lawsuits have ignited a heated debate within the industry.

By mandating sellers to directly pay the buyer’s agent, REBNY aims to address these concerns and establish a more equitable system for all parties involved in real estate transactions.

Impact on real estate industry

Real Estate Industry: The Potential Impact

The implementation of this new policy is expected to have a significant impact on the real estate industry. Sellers will now need to factor in the cost of the buyer’s agent commission when pricing their properties. This adjustment may lead to changes in listing prices and potentially affect negotiations between buyers and sellers.

While the policy change aims to promote transparency and fairness, there are concerns about its potential implications. Some industry experts worry that it may result in higher costs for sellers, which could ultimately be passed on to buyers. However, others believe that the change will level the playing field and create a more balanced and transparent real estate market.

Future implications

The Road Ahead

As the implementation date approaches, the real estate industry eagerly awaits the impact of this policy change. Further discussions and adjustments are expected as stakeholders navigate the new landscape. The future implications of this decision by REBNY remain to be seen, and the industry will closely monitor the outcomes.

Real Estate Education at Cameron Academy: An Exploration

Stay Informed and Stay Ahead in the Real Estate Industry

Cameron Academy, a nationally recognized career education school with over 20 years of experience, offers a wide range of online courses to help you excel in your real estate career. Our innovative and interactive learning experiences, flexible schedules, and dedicated support ensure that you gain the real-world skills necessary for success.

Your Next Step in Real Estate

Sign up for our career education courses today and gain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving real estate market.

Explore Our Courses

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!

Illinois Launches 2026 With 200+ New Laws Reshaping Work, Healthcare, and Education

Illinois kicked off the new year with more than 200 laws taking effect, impacting professionals across healthcare, insurance, real estate, education, and other regulated industries. From major healthcare coverage expansions to new AI hiring limits, enhanced worker protections, school safety reforms, and upgraded public‑safety standards, nearly every sector will see meaningful changes. As compliance expectations grow, institutions like Cameron Academy help professionals stay prepared and career‑ready in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Why Distressed Properties Could Become the Top Commercial Real Estate Opportunity of 2026

As commercial real estate moves beyond two turbulent years, 2026 is emerging as a year of growth for professionals who know where to look. According to First American economist Xander Snyder, the biggest wins may come not from booming sectors but from distressed properties—especially those with short‑term issues that can recover with creative financing, recapitalization, or strategic repositioning. Multifamily distress, selective office restructuring, and the rise of non‑QM lending are setting the stage for brokers, investors, and new licensees to capitalize on flexible deal‑making and evolving market conditions.

2026 Becomes America’s Housing Turning Point

Housing is taking over the national spotlight in 2026, with federal leaders, big‑city mayors, and market professionals all zeroing in on affordability, supply, and sweeping policy changes. From President Trump’s promised reform agenda to looming Section 8 funding risks and aggressive city‑level zoning overhauls, the year is shaping up to be one of the most consequential periods for real estate and related licensed professions. For agents, mortgage brokers, insurance specialists, and anyone tied to the housing ecosystem, rapid shifts in policy and market conditions make 2026 a year where preparation, education, and adaptability will be essential.

When a Familiar Voice Becomes a Perfect Fake: AI Fraud Strikes Real Estate Finance

A lender wires $4.2 million after receiving what sounded like a routine call from a borrower’s attorney—same voice, same tone, same mannerisms. By morning, the truth emerges: the email was hacked, the phone call was an AI‑generated voice clone, and the money is gone. As scammers use AI to mimic voices, emails, and documents with startling accuracy, real estate finance has become a prime target. The industry’s growing reliance on AI brings efficiency, but also dangerous new vulnerabilities, pushing regulators, insurers, and professionals to rethink verification, security, and trust itself.

Americans Are Moving Differently — And It’s Reshaping Commercial Real Estate

A new wave of migration is changing the shape of commercial real estate as Americans trade costly metros for more affordable, lifestyle-friendly regions. Smaller Southern and mid‑Atlantic markets are gaining momentum, while pandemic boom states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona are now leveling off. These shifts are influencing demand for housing, retail, office parks, warehouses, and even self‑storage, signaling both fresh opportunities and heightened caution for investors and real estate professionals.

Florida May Slash or Eliminate Property Taxes in 2026, Sparking Hope and Alarm Across the State

Florida is gearing up for a potential overhaul of its property tax system, with lawmakers pushing proposals that could dramatically reduce or even eliminate property taxes by 2026. Homeowners facing rising bills welcome the idea, but city and county leaders warn it could cripple essential services like police, fire response, and local infrastructure. As political tensions escalate — including accusations of overspending and sharp pushback from local officials — real estate professionals should prepare for major market impacts if reforms move forward.