Real Estate is dynamic rather than static—markets shift, rules change, and the way we do business is constantly in flux. Recent national discussions have spotlighted real estate commissions, leading to significant changes that will take effect in mid-July. We want to offer you our experience and perspective to guide you through these changes and ensure your home-selling experience is both profitable and seamless.
Our Approach to Listing Commissions
We pride ourselves on transparency and fairness, which is why we offer a competitive 2% listing commission, only payable upon the successful sale of your property. This fee is deducted from your proceeds at settlement, ensuring no upfront costs burden you. Traditionally, Nashville agents have mostly charged a 6% commission, splitting it between the listing and buyer’s agents. While this practice is still common, we believe in offering you a more favorable rate without compromising service or marketing quality. We’ve been offering this equitable rate for years, and we think the recent commission lawsuit settlement vindicates our approach.
Navigating New Commission Regulations
The real estate industry is poised for change. Starting in mid-July, our industry will adapt to these changes by no longer publicly advertising the commission offered to a buyer’s agent. Instead, the buyer will pay that portion of the commission, or it will become a negotiable element of the transaction, which will be discussed and determined during the offer process. This shift empowers you as a seller to have more flexibility and control over the costs associated with selling your home.
Our Recommendation on Buyer’s Agent Commission
Although the commission landscape is evolving, we recommend offering the buyer’s agent a 3% commission. This strategy remains effective through July 2024. It ensures your listing is attractive to buyers’ agents, avoiding potential bias or “steering” their clients toward other properties. While steering is illegal and against industry ethics, maintaining a competitive commission offer helps to safeguard your listing’s visibility and appeal in the market.
Your Voice Matters
The decision on what commission to offer is ultimately yours. We are here to provide guidance, share market insights, and discuss how different commission structures might impact the sale of your home and your realized proceeds. We encourage open dialogue and are always available for a phone conversation to address any questions or concerns.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Selling your home is a significant decision, and we are committed to making this process as smooth and successful as possible. To begin, please fill out our Home Facts Questionnaire. This will help us understand your needs and how we can tailor our services to best suit your situation.
Just adding an update. Both sides seem to have now agreed on the terms of the NAR settlement. The DOJ still needs to sign off, but we expect co-opt commissions to be removed from all MLS listings by mid-July.
We are counseling our seller clients to list at a price at which they feel comfortable paying a 3% commission to the buyer’s agent. We anticipate that most offers will include a clause asking for this as a seller concession.