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High real estate agent commissions, often 5-6% of the sale price, are prompting buyers and sellers to seek alternatives. A recent lawsuit settlement requires agents to disclose negotiable fees and allows buyers to pay directly if the seller won't. This has spurred the rise of flat-fee brokerages, offering significant savings, particularly on high-priced homes. While traditional agents emphasize their expertise and service, flat-fee options are gaining popularity, potentially disrupting the established commission structure. Recent data shows a slight decrease in buyer's agent commissions, especially for higher-priced homes, since the new rules took effect.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.