New Rules Are Changing How We Buy and Sell Homes

Commission Decoupling: A Major Shift

One of the most significant changes is commission decoupling, which means buyers and sellers will now be responsible for paying their own agents' commissions.

Benefits of Commission Decoupling

• Increased transparency in commission rates
• Potential savings for buyers and sellers
• Greater flexibility in choosing an agent

Adjusted Mortgage Fee Structure

The new mortgage fee structure aims to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers.

Starting May 1, upfront fees for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be adjusted, reducing the financial burden for homebuyers.

Impact of the New Fee Structure

Lower upfront costs

Increased affordability for first-time buyers

Updates to Home-Sales Commission Rules

The National Association of Realtors has abandoned longstanding rules governing home-sales commissions.

These changes provide real estate agents with greater flexibility in pricing their services.

Implications of the Rule Changes

Agents have more freedom to set commission rates

Increased competition among agents