The real estate industry has entered a new era following last year’s landmark settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The changes that took effect in August 2024 have redefined how commissions are handled, creating both opportunities and challenges for agents, buyers, and sellers. Now, in September 2025, the impact is becoming clearer.
Under the new rules, sellers are no longer required to cover a buyer’s agent commission. Listing agents can’t advertise a fixed buyer’s commission either, shifting responsibility to buyers for determining how (and if) their agent is paid. Options include negotiating concessions from sellers, wrapping fees into the mortgage, or paying directly out-of-pocket.
For agents, this means securing a signed buyer agency agreement is now crucial before showing homes or submitting offers. Without it, they risk losing their commission. Sellers, on the other hand, must decide whether to offer buyer concessions to stay competitive.
While skepticism remains, many Realtors are adapting their business models:
Short-term showing agreements allow limited property tours without long commitments.
Detailed cost breakdowns are being used more often to justify value.
Flexible commission plans are emerging as agents compete for clients.
Still, challenges are real. Nearly half of agents admit their career outlook has grown more pessimistic since the ruling, though others see opportunities for experienced professionals to stand out.
One of the biggest takeaways is seller motivation. About 63% of homeowners planning to sell in the next year say they’re more likely to list now that they’re not automatically responsible for buyer’s agent commissions.
However, many may be caught off guard. Roughly one-third of agents say they won’t work with sellers who refuse to offer buyer concessions, warning that homes without these incentives could struggle to attract offers.
Despite having a generally favorable view of the settlement, most buyers remain unclear on what it means for them:
Nearly half (49%) say figuring out agent compensation makes them less likely to buy.
Two-thirds say they’d reconsider their strategy if asked to pay their Realtor’s fee directly.
Yet 71% of buyers still plan to use an agent for their purchase, showing continued trust in professional guidance.
That said, many buyers (66%) are at least open to alternatives like discount brokers or online platforms, highlighting the need for Realtors to prove their value.
The new commission model is still in transition. For many buyers and sellers, the biggest challenge is simply understanding how compensation works. For agents, it’s about clearly communicating value while adjusting business strategies.
Key Takeaways for Consumers:
Sellers may save money but should still consider offering concessions to attract buyers.
Buyers need to be proactive about signing agreements and clarifying how their agent is paid.
Agents must embrace transparency, education, and flexibility to thrive under the new system.
The NAR settlement has created uncertainty, but it also opens the door for more transparent real estate practices. As the industry adapts, one thing remains clear: buyers and sellers still see value in having a trusted Realtor on their side.
Whether you’re preparing to buy or sell in Daytona Beach or beyond, understanding these commission changes will help you make smarter, more confident decisions in 2025.