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recent survey by HomeLight found that most real estate agents are now communicating directly with their counterparts about commission rates, rather than sharing this information through websites. This shift comes after the National Association of Realtors (NAR) prohibited listing services from advertising commissions in August.

    The majority of agents surveyed reported receiving the same commission percentage as before the policy change. On the sell-side, 42% said sellers are agreeing to a customary 3% listing agent commission, while one-third reported sellers asking for 2.5%. On the buy-side, 24% of agents said they're getting a 3% commission, with 34% reporting buyers requesting a 2.5% rate.

    Despite some initial confusion, buyers and sellers are adapting to the new policy. However, many are struggling to navigate agent fees, particularly first-time homebuyers who are often short on funds. To cope with high prices and elevated mortgage rates, first-time buyers are increasingly asking sellers for mortgage rate buydowns or using gift funds, down payment assistance programs, or searching in more affordable areas.

    The survey also found that the real estate market is becoming more balanced, with regional differences emerging. While 42% of agents overall believe their market is balanced, those in the Northeast still think it favors sellers (69%). In contrast, agents in the Pacific, South Central, and South Atlantic regions are more likely to say their market is balanced. The Mountain region is evenly split between a buyers/balanced market, while the Midwest tilts slightly towards a sellers market.