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merica’s $136 trillion housing market has been reshaped by a class‑action lawsuit that challenged the National Association of Realtors’ commission model. Homeowners like Jerod Breit argued that sellers paying 3 % to their own agent and another 3 % to the buyer’s agent fostered collusion and hidden fees. The plaintiffs claimed the dual‑commission structure created a conflict of interest, encouraging agents to steer buyers toward properties that maximized their own earnings rather than the client’s best interests.

    NAR and its brokerages were found to have violated antitrust laws and settled for $500 million, committing to change the compensation model. The Department of Justice forced the association to overhaul its rules, requiring written disclosure of compensation before the listing agreement is signed and making commissions negotiable.

    Arizona is testing new fee structures—hourly rates and flat‑fee services—after the DOJ demanded transparency. “Commissions were once set and non‑negotiable,” said Sindy Ready, president of the Arizona Association of Realtors, but that’s no longer true. Breit notes that most homeowners never had a chance to negotiate.

    Since the settlement, average total commissions dropped from 5.64 % to 4.96 %, saving buyers and sellers about $3,000 on a typical home—a significant relief for many families. Ready advises hiring an agent who truly knows the local market to navigate the process and clarify confusion.

    U.S. real‑estate fees historically ran 5–6 % of a home’s price—much higher than the 1–3 % seen abroad. The topic will be discussed on “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson” Sunday at 10 a.m. on WJLA (Channel 7) and WBFF (Channel 45).