Rambling Real Talk: Why Transparency in Real Estate Just Got Real

It's blog time baby - do I owe you a bonus blog or hit you with a little more rizz? Yes.

I know, I know... I’m diving into the NAR settlement once more, even if only three people are still with me. Exposure therapy is a thing, right? So here goes—today was Realtor Day, and I’ve never felt more empowered to explain how compensation works. I’ve struggled with this for years, trying to get clients to understand, and these recent changes have finally made it click. It’s like a light bulb moment for an industry that, let’s be honest, has been operating in the shadows for far too long.

Historically, real estate compensation has been a mystery wrapped in an enigma, and not by accident. The whole idea that “the seller pays for everything” without really showing how it’s factored into the deal? It’s confusing, even to those of us who have been in the business for years. The buyer, who is ultimately bringing the money to the table, is often left thinking they’re getting a free service. But that’s not quite true, is it? That commission is worked into the sales price, so essentially the buyer is paying, just in a roundabout way. For decades, we’ve been expected to explain this delicate dance without making it sound like anyone is losing, and let me tell you, that’s not an easy sell.

The traditional model worked like this: sellers typically signed a listing agreement to pay a percentage of the sales price to both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. This commission structure—while standardized—was often vague to the buyer, who rarely questioned it. The assumption was that this is just the way it is. But, as times have changed and transparency has become not just a buzzword but a consumer demand, people started asking more questions: “Why am I paying for services I didn’t choose? Why is the agent's compensation tied to the price of the home? And, by the way, what exactly am I getting for that?”

These are tough questions. And really, the old model didn’t do us any favors when it came to answering them clearly.

Then came the NAR settlement, and suddenly, everything we’ve known is being turned upside down. And you know what? I’m totally here for it. Like literally vibe with it so hard that it’s bashful. I’ve always felt conflicted about trying to explain my value to a client, especially when I’m often providing the same—or close to the same— “level” of service to a total stranger coming in that actually might be a total - or being willing to take whatever the seller is offering. Now, with these new rules and changes, it feels like a chance to really educate people on how real estate compensation works and where the real value lies in hiring a realtor.

We’ve all just gone along with the notion that "the seller pays for the buyer’s agent." That commission comes from somewhere—usually the buyer’s pocket in the form of a mortgage payment over time. It’s not a free service. It never was. And as a seller, WHYY would you offer a higher % to a buyer’s agent that has already agreed to less? Finally, we’re being given a chance to have this conversation in a way that feels more transparent than ever before.

So, what does this mean moving forward? Well, for starters, it opens the door to a more discussion about why working with a top-tier realtor matters. You’re not just hiring someone to unlock a door or fill out paperwork. When you work with me (not just me, there are so many other great realtors out there), you’re hiring someone who brings expert negotiation skills, market knowledge, and a deep understanding of how to protect your interests—whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s not just an off of service; an offer of true value—value that directly impacts your bottom line, your peace of mind like legit mental health, and your long-term investment.

This settlement forces us to confront the idea of compensation in real estate and rethink how we communicate to clients. As someone who thrives on building trust and offering premier service, I’m diggity down for these changes. It’s an opportunity for clients to see why hiring a great realtor—rather than just any agent—can make a world of difference, especially when you’re talking about hundreds of thousands (most times even millions - think of the life of a loan or what an investment can be) of dollars.

At the end of the day, real estate is one of the biggest financial decisions and most opportune moments people will ever have. It deserves transparency, honesty, and a clear understanding. For me, that’s what this shift is all about—shedding light on the hidden fees and giving clients the chance to see what they’re really getting.

So, if you’ve made it this far (seriously, kudos to you), know that I’m here to honor your money, time, and energy with top-of-the-line service. Real estate just got real, and I couldn’t be more excited to help you navigate it with a level of transparency we should have had all along.

Best As Always,

Hails