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ew rules governing real estate commissions have taken effect in Maine, shifting who pays these fees. The changes, stemming from a lawsuit settlement, have led to more paperwork and anxiety for home buyers and sellers but haven't significantly impacted prices in the state's hot market. Historically, commission fees were set at 5-6% of the sale price, with the seller paying both agents' fees. This often resulted in these costs being factored into the list price.

    Now, fees are negotiated on a per-sale basis. Buyers and sellers each pay their respective agent's fee, meaning buyers may need to bring more cash upfront if sellers won't cover part of the buyer's agent commission. Sellers can no longer include commission fees in their listings. This shift has caused some confusion among buyers and agents nationwide due to varying state rules.

    Tacy Ridlon, a listing agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group in Ellsworth, notes that discussing commission splits with buyers is a new aspect of her job. She starts negotiations at 3% for the buyer's agent but may adjust based on the seller's offer. Ridlon finds some sellers are willing to cover part or all of the buyer's agent fee.

    Billy Milliken, owner of Bold Coast Properties in Jonesport, believes the changes have done little to reduce costs and may even make buying a home more expensive for first-time buyers with limited resources. Monet Yarnell, president of the Midcoast Board of Realtors, suggests that while there was initial confusion, sellers are still incentivized to offer something to buyer's agents, increasing communication between agents and clients.

    Ridlon has been fortunate in having most sellers offer some compensation toward the buyer's agent commission. In one case, a seller initially refused but later agreed to pay 1% after many buyers requested concessions or closing cost coverage. Debbie Walter, who sold her condominium via Yarnell and bought another with a different agent, found the process stressful due to uncertainty over commission fees.

    Tom McKee, president of the Maine Realtors Association, believes the changes have had little impact on his business. He notes that everything is now negotiable, leading to more questions in transactions.