⚡ Effective August 17, 2024

NAR Settlement Changes

How the $418 million settlement changed real estate commissions forever

💥 $418 Million Settlement Impact
⚖️
$1.8B
Initial Jury Verdict
💰
$418M
Final Settlement
📅
Aug 2024
Rules Effective
🏠
2M+
Agents Affected

📅 Settlement Timeline

Oct 2023

🔥 $1.8B Jury Verdict

Federal jury found NAR liable for anticompetitive practices in Missouri lawsuit

Mar 2024

🤝 $418M Settlement

NAR agrees to settle and fundamentally change commission practices

Aug 2024

✅ New Rules Take Effect

Mandatory buyer agreements and MLS changes implemented nationwide

Before August 2024

The Old Way

  • Seller automatically paid both agent commissions
  • Buyer agent compensation displayed on MLS
  • Standard 6% commission split 50/50
  • Buyers thought their agent was "free"
  • Limited commission negotiation

After NAR Settlement

The New Reality

  • Buyers can pay their own agent directly
  • No compensation offers displayed on MLS
  • More flexible commission structures
  • Mandatory written buyer agreements
  • Increased transparency and negotiation
📈

Commission Rates

Average rates increased from 5.32% to 5.44% in 2025, showing minimal impact despite dire predictions

+0.12% Increase
🤝

Buyer Relationships

Stronger buyer relationships needed as agents must clearly demonstrate value and justify compensation

Value-First Approach
💼

Business Models

More diverse compensation structures emerging: flat fees, hourly rates, and performance-based models

Innovation Required

Calculate Your Post-Settlement Earnings

See how the new rules affect your commission calculations

🧮 Use Updated Calculator →