As a home seller, you have various options for listing and selling your property. REALTORS® are trusted professionals who can guide you through the complexities of this process and help you make the best decisions. The recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement introduces several changes related to broker commissions that benefit sellers. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Changes for Home Sellers:

  • Compensation Options: You can still offer compensation to buyer brokers, which can help market your home and make your listing more appealing to potential buyers.

  • Disclosure Requirements: Your agent must provide a clear, written disclosure of any payment or offer of payment made to another broker representing buyers. This disclosure must include the amount or rate of the compensation and be obtained before any agreement or payment is finalized.

  • Changes in Compensation Handling: While you can choose to offer compensation to buyer brokers, your agent cannot list this compensation on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a platform used to share property information among brokers.

  • Advertising Alternatives: Your agent can promote your listing through off-MLS channels, such as social media, flyers, and websites.

  • Concessions Remain Allowed: You can still offer concessions to buyers, such as covering closing costs, and these can be listed on the MLS.

These changes will take effect on August 17.

What Remains the Same:

  • Agent Commitment: REALTORS® are committed to assisting you in selling your home and must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, ensuring they work in your best interest.

  • Negotiable Compensation: Compensation for your agent is still negotiable. If your agent is a REALTOR®, they are required to have transparent discussions with you about their fees and the terms of compensation. Be sure to discuss and understand the compensation structure when choosing an agent.

  • Your Choices: You have options when selling your home. Work closely with your agent to explore these options and make the best decisions for your situation.

Understanding these changes will help you navigate the selling process more effectively and make informed decisions about your property.