Rick Houston, ABR, MRP

The real estate industry is undergoing significant changes, especially with the new rules regarding agent commissions that came into effect in August 2024. These changes are designed to increase transparency and fairness in the home buying and selling process. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Changes to Real Estate Commission Rules

1. No More Seller-Paid Buyer Commissions: Under the new regulations, sellers are no longer required to pay the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Traditionally, sellers would pay a 6% commission, split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Now, buyers who choose to hire an agent will need to enter into a written agreement to pay their agent’s commission directly​​.
2. Impact on MLS Listings: Sellers’ agents can no longer use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to offer a split commission to buyer’s agents. However, agents can still negotiate commission splits outside of the MLS system. This change is expected to create a more competitive environment where agents must clearly demonstrate their value to clients​.
3. Potential Savings for Sellers: With the new rules, sellers might be able to negotiate lower commissions since they will only be paying for their listing agent’s services. This could lead to savings and potentially lower overall costs in real estate transactions​.
4. Buyers Need to Budget Differently: Buyers will now need to budget for their agent’s commission separately, which could impact their overall home buying budget. This change emphasizes the importance of understanding and planning for all costs associated with purchasing a home​ ​.

Special Offer for Cape Canaveral Real Estate Transactions

To help buyers navigate these new rules, I am offering my services for a flat fee of $500 to represent buyers in Cape Canaveral real estate transactions. As your dedicated agent, I will work tirelessly to find the best properties that meet your needs and negotiate on your behalf. Additionally, I will strive to negotiate a portion of the listing agent’s commission to further reduce your costs.

Why Choose My Services?

• Expertise in Cape Canaveral: As a local resident and real estate professional, I have in-depth knowledge of the Cape Canaveral market, including the best waterfront properties.
• Personalized Service: I specialize in discovering and viewing waterfront properties with clients by boat, providing a unique and comprehensive viewing experience.
• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR): My ABR certification ensures that I am equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively represent buyers.
• Military Relocation Professional (MRP): My MRP certification demonstrates my expertise in assisting military personnel and their families with relocation.

If you have any questions about the new commission rules or need assistance with your real estate needs, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s work together to make your real estate dreams a reality!