Realtor Association's $418M Settlement to Bring New Rules Aimed at Lowering Real Estate Commissions and Prices

The $418 million settlement between the National Association of Realtors and home sellers will establish new rules that could lower real estate commissions and home prices.

The rules uncouple commissions from sale prices, allow sellers not to offer buyer agent commissions, and prohibit showing commissions on listings.

Some prospective homebuyers plan to restart searches after the rules take effect, hoping for lower prices.

Some sellers aren't waiting for the rules and are already lowering or eliminating buyer agent commissions.

Experts say the rules give consumers more negotiation power, but it will take advocacy from buyers and sellers to change prevailing practices.