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ew rules that took effect in August have altered who pays real estate commissions, resulting in increased paperwork and anxiety for home buyers and sellers. However, the changes have had little to no impact on home prices in Maine's hot real estate market. The shift stems from a settlement in a lawsuit accusing agents of conspiring to keep their commissions high.

    Prior to the changes, commission fees were typically split between buyer and seller agents, with the seller paying for both. This often resulted in fees being baked into the list price of a home. Now, fees are negotiated sale-by-sale, with buyers and sellers each responsible for paying their own agents. Sellers can no longer include commission fees in their listings.

    Tacy Ridlon, a listing agent, said it's jarring to discuss commission payments with buyers. She starts at 3 percent for the buyer's agent but is willing to negotiate if the seller offers less. Some agents find the changes minimal, while others struggle with paperwork and negotiating with buyers.

    Billy Milliken, an agency owner, believes the ruling has done little to bring prices down, citing that sellers have continued to absorb commission costs. He argues that first-time homebuyers are disproportionately affected by the changes due to limited cash resources.

    Monet Yarnell, president of the Midcoast Board of Realtors, notes that Maine's real estate practices were already transparent compared to other areas. She believes the changes have increased communication between agents and clients but acknowledges some confusion initially. Ridlon has been fortunate in having sellers offer compensation toward buyer agent commissions.

    Debbie Walter, a homebuyer and seller, expressed concern about the new rules, agreeing to pay 3 percent for her buyer's agent to ensure a smooth sale. She also offered to cover her buyer's agent commission when purchasing another property, citing it as one less headache during the closing procedure.

    The settlement and new rules have had little impact on Maine's real estate market, according to Tom McKee, president of the Maine Realtors Association. He notes that everything is now negotiable, and there are simply more questions in each transaction.