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recent legal settlement aimed to revolutionize the housing market by allowing buyers and sellers to negotiate lower fees with their own agents, rather than adhering to the traditional 6% commission split. However, a New York Times investigation found that real estate agents are still charging 5-6% commissions, often through creative workarounds that circumvent industry rules.

    While some sellers have successfully negotiated lower rates, many others are being priced out of the market. One seller reported that agents refused to budge on a 5% commission for his $2.7 million home, leading him to sell it himself and discover that some agents were intentionally steering buyers away from his property.

    Real estate agents deserve fair compensation for their work, but buyers and sellers should be able to negotiate rates like they would with contractors or other service providers. With the median home price in Dallas at $395,000, a 6% commission amounts to $23,700 – a significant fee that can be negotiated.

    The real estate brokerage industry's resistance to change means it's up to buyers and sellers to take control of their own costs. While commissions have long been negotiable, most people don't ask, opting for the path of least resistance instead. Consumer advocates suggest listing commission amounts in dollar figures rather than percentages to give homebuyers a clearer picture of what they owe their agents.

    Seeing these actual amounts might prompt more people to negotiate and take advantage of lower fees. Amid high interest rates and a housing shortage, Texans need all the help they can get to achieve the American dream.