# Courts changed real estate commissions. Why costs haven't dropped?

> Courts forced commission changes but sellers still pay record fees.
- Title: Courts changed real estate commissions. Why costs haven't…
- Summary: Courts forced commission changes but sellers still pay record fees. Sellers face record commissions despite court-mandated transparency rules as buyers…
- Keywords: real estate, commissions, nationally, realtor, consumer, listing, buyer, seller, news, politics, world, Courts
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/courts-changed-the-framework-for-how-we-pay-realtors-so-why-havent-costs-changed
- Published: 2026-10-17T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: real estate, commissions, nationally, realtor, consumer, listing, buyer, seller, news, politics, world
## Courts changed commission rules
Courts changed the framework for how we pay Realtors so why haven't costs changed.
## Sellers push back on high fees
Sellers are questioning closing documents and listing five-figure commissions with unexpected fees.
## Buyers negotiate lower costs
Buyers try to save money by negotiating with agents about services they'll offer.
## Discount brokers expand
Discount brokers like 1 Percent Lists LLC offer lower commissions to help sellers in high-pressure markets.
## Record home prices
National median home sale price hit $424,500 in August, 34.4% higher than August 2019.
## Junk fees added
Brokers now charge administrative fees separately from commissions that used to cover paperwork.
## Market shifts
Buyers can't claim buyer's agent commission without a licensed agent representing them.
## 2024 rule change
NAR agreed to new rules in March 2024 requiring buyer agreement on commissions.
## Sellers still pay high fees
Only a third of sellers negotiated lower commissions with full-price agents.
## Commission structure unchanged
Traditional 6% commission structure remains despite court-mandated transparency rules.
## Key takeaway

Sellers face record commissions despite court-mandated transparency rules as buyers negotiate lower fees.