Changes to Broker Commissions

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently settled an antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice regarding broker commissions. The settlement includes changes to the rules and practices surrounding commissions paid to brokers, and this may have implications for the real estate industry.

One potential change is increased transparency in the real estate market. The settlement requires NAR to eliminate certain anti-competitive rules that may have limited competition in general, and price competition, among brokers. This could lead to more competition and potentially reduced costs for consumers.

Additionally, the settlement could lead to changes in the way broker commissions are structured and disclosed to clients. Going forward, real estate agents and brokers may need to be more transparent about how commissions are set and how they are distributed, which could impact the way transactions are negotiated and conducted.

Overall, the settlement of the antitrust suit on broker commissions may result in a more competitive and transparent real estate market, with potential changes in how commissions are structured and disclosed to consumers.