James Kleimann on the downtrend in buyer’s agent commissions
Aug 9, 2024
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James Kleimann, a Managing Editor, dives into the recent downtrend in buyer's agent commissions post-NAR lawsuit settlement. He discusses intriguing shifts in commission structures across major U.S. metros, with most witnessing declines. The conversation touches on the rise of direct buyer-to-listing agent approaches, regional commission rate variations, and how these changes influence negotiations. Additionally, the challenges facing first-time buyers in a shifting market landscape are explored, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of real estate transactions.
Following the NAR's settlement, buyer's agent commissions have declined, highlighting changing consumer awareness and market dynamics across various regions.
The ongoing downtrend in commissions is prompting buyers to rethink their relationships with agents and potentially negotiate differently with sellers.
Deep dives
Trends in Buyer's Agent Commissions
In recent months, buyer's agent commissions have shown a decline across various real estate markets, particularly following the NAR's settlement in the Sitzer-Bernett case. Data from Redfin analyzed commission rates in the 50 largest metro areas, revealing that the average buyer's agent commission fell from approximately 2.62% in January to about 2.55% in July. This drop reflects an ongoing trend that predates the lawsuit settlement, indicating that consumer awareness and market dynamics are influencing commission structures. Interestingly, Cincinnati was the only major market where commissions saw a slight increase, highlighting the variability in regional markets.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior
The evolving landscape of real estate is prompting buyers to reconsider their relationships with agents, particularly due to newfound knowledge about commission practices. As commissions decline, buyers are increasingly approaching sellers directly in an attempt to save costs, potentially leading sellers to retain more commission for themselves. These shifts are creating new negotiations, with scenarios where a buyer may feel compelled to offer more out-of-pocket expenses for representation. This democratization of agent services is encouraging more consumers to engage in conversations about costs, an unexpected ripple effect of the ongoing commission discussions.
Geographical Variability in Commission Rates
The analysis revealed significant variability in buyer's agent commission rates across different U.S. markets, driven by local customs and market conditions. For instance, markets like Detroit saw substantial drops in commissions, while other regions maintained consistent rates. The unique characteristics of each area, such as housing affordability, inventory levels, and historical practices, contribute to this complexity. As consumers become more aware of changing commissions, the uniformity that once characterized many markets may start to dissipate, paving the way for tailored strategies in buying and selling properties.
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Managing Editor James Kleimann about the downtrend in buyer’s agent commissions since NAR’s commission lawsuit was settled.
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