$418M Realtor Settlement Could Lead to Lower Home Prices by Reducing Commissions

• $418 million settlement between NAR and homesellers could allow lower commissions, potentially lowering home prices • Settlement would eliminate standard 6% commission and add new rules, including buyers' agents not knowing commissions upfront • Expert estimates Americans pay $100 billion a year in commissions; settlement could save buyers 25-50% • Industry likely to still try incentivizing 6% commissions through tactics like telling sellers it will sell homes faster • One expert believes settlement is a step toward transparency but may not move needle on prices due to offsetting factors