New real estate commission rules haven’t made it much cheaper to buy or sell a home

Published On Mar 8, 2025, 8:02 AM

New rules implemented after a settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) were expected to make homebuying and selling cheaper, yet these changes have not significantly affected commission costs. Commissions for buyer's agents remain around the same levels as before, with little to no reduction in overall costs for buyers and sellers. Although some improvements in transparency and negotiation have been noted, the anticipated decline in transactions without agents has not materialized. Experts suggest that real estate commissions might drift downward over time, but current market conditions are preventing any immediate changes.

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While the intended outcome of reducing commission costs has not been achieved, the overall real estate market continues to experience tight inventory and high demand, which may keep prices stable. However, the lack of changes in commission structure might cause dissatisfaction among buyers and sellers, indicating a potential for disruption in the market over the long term.

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