In 2024 the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to a settlement that changed longstanding commission practices. Two headline changes: offers of buyer-agent compensation can no longer be posted on the MLS, and buyers must sign a written representation agreement with their agent before touring homes. Commissions were always negotiable and remain so - they are not set by law. For sellers, it means being intentional about what, if anything, you offer to a buyer's agent.
Commission rules made a lot of headlines. Cutting through the noise, here is what actually changed with the NAR settlement and what it means if you are selling a Central Florida home.
1. Commissions were always negotiable
A persistent myth is that commissions are fixed. They never were - real estate commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. The settlement reinforced this and increased transparency around it, but your ability to negotiate has always existed.
2. Buyer-agent compensation left the MLS
Under the settlement, sellers and their brokers can no longer advertise an offer of compensation to buyers' agents on the MLS. Compensation can still be offered and negotiated - it just is not broadcast through the MLS the way it once was. This changes how offers of cooperation are communicated, not whether they can happen.
3. Buyers now sign representation agreements
Buyers working with an agent must now sign a written buyer-representation agreement, spelling out how that agent is paid, before touring homes. This makes buyer-side costs more explicit and can affect how buyers approach offers on your home.
4. What it means for you as a seller
You have flexibility. You can decide whether to offer any compensation to a buyer's agent as part of your strategy to attract offers, negotiate the amount, or structure things differently. In some transactions, buyers may ask sellers to contribute to their agent's fee. The right approach depends on your market and goals - your net sheet should reflect the assumption you choose.
5. The bottom line: strategy matters more than ever
With more transparency and negotiability, a clear pricing and marketing strategy is what wins. Understanding your true net after all costs - including whatever commission structure you choose - lets you make confident decisions. A free, personalized net sheet models your options so there are no surprises.
Three free ways to start - no obligation
1. Free Home Value Review. A data-backed estimate of what your home could realistically sell for in today's Central Florida market.
2. Free Seller Net Sheet. A line-by-line estimate of your closing costs and your likely net proceeds under different commission scenarios.
3. Free 15-Minute Selling Strategy Call. A short, no-pressure call to map pricing, timing, and costs for your specific home.
Raphaela Rolim - Real Estate in Florida
THE TEAM by LPT Realty LLC
Call or text: (689) 222-7912
Frequently asked questions
Do sellers still pay the buyer's agent after the NAR settlement?
It is negotiable. Sellers may choose to offer compensation to a buyer's agent, negotiate it, or not offer it. It simply can no longer be advertised on the MLS. Your strategy and net sheet should reflect your choice.
Are real estate commissions set by law?
No. Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. This was true before and after the settlement; the settlement mainly increased transparency and changed MLS practices.
What changed for buyers?
Buyers now sign a written representation agreement with their agent before touring homes, making buyer-side compensation explicit up front.
Informational only and not legal advice. This summarizes widely reported changes from the National Association of Realtors settlement; details and implementation can vary and evolve. Confirm current practice with a licensed professional. Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. Submitting a form does not list your home or create an agency relationship; representation begins only upon a signed listing agreement.
