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Buyers and Sellers Adjusted to Shifts in Commission Practices

The real estate market has evolved as buyers and sellers navigate new commission structures. Understanding these shifts helps both parties make informed decisions and adapt to changing industry standards

flareAI Services

04 Dec 2025 — 6 min read

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The real estate market has always been a complex web of negotiations, paperwork, and steep costs, but a seismic shift is reshaping how homes are bought and sold. In regions like Michigan and Florida, homeowners are discovering they can sidestep traditional commission structures, saving thousands in the process. Fueled by recent changes in commission practices following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, platforms like Side Door are empowering buyers and sellers to take charge of their transactions with unprecedented transparency. From the serene lakeshores of Holland to Florida's vibrant housing markets, this evolution is redefining homeownership, offering both savings and control.

Home buying or selling shouldn't mean paying for services you don't use or need. Now, with new rules, you can choose exactly what you pay for. Side Door's smart match engine connects you with vetted agents offering flexible service levels, so you pay only for what you use. Keep the guidance, skip the extras, and save thousands and still get the keys in hand. Join Side Door for FREE today!

The NAR Settlement and a New Commission Landscape

For decades, real estate commissions have been a significant expense, often eating into homeowner's profits or inflating buyer's costs. A comprehensive survey conducted by Clever Real Estate reveals that the average realtor commission rate nationwide stands at 5.57%, with variations between 4.92% and 6.03% depending on the market. These percentages translate to thousands of dollars potentially $20,000 or more on a $400,000 home. However, the NAR settlement, finalized in 2024, has disrupted this status quo by altering how commissions are negotiated and disclosed, giving buyers and sellers more leverage to challenge traditional fees.

The settlement mandates greater transparency in commission agreements, requiring agents to clearly outline their fees upfront. This shift has sparked a wave of innovation, with platforms like Side Door stepping in to streamline the process. Side Door, a U.S.-based real estate tech platform, empowers users with transparent pricing, guided workflows, and access to vetted professionals, allowing them to select only the services they need whether it's a title company, inspector, or lender. This à la carte approach is gaining traction in Michigan, West Michigan, Holland, and Florida, where homeowners are eager to navigate competitive markets without overpaying.

Real-Life Impact in Michigan and Florida

In West Michigan, the impact of these changes is tangible. A homeowner in Holland, a picturesque town known for its tulip festivals and lakeside charm, decided to sell their cottage without a traditional agent. Using Side Door's platform, they connected with a trusted title company and followed a streamlined process that saved them nearly $10,000 in commissions. The platform's user-friendly tools guided them through legal disclosures and negotiations, while its network of professionals ensured a seamless transaction. By choosing only the services they needed, they retained control and closed the deal on their terms.

In Florida, where bidding wars and rising prices define the market, a first-time buyer used Side Door to navigate a complex purchase. Facing intense competition, they leveraged the platform to connect with a lender and inspector who prioritized their needs, avoiding the inflated costs often tied to full-service agents. The result was a transparent process that kept costs manageable and secured their dream home. These stories underscore how Side Door's model is transforming real estate in regions like Michigan and Florida, where demand for cost-effective, flexible solutions is surging.

The NAR settlement has amplified these opportunities. By requiring clearer commission disclosures, it empowers buyers and sellers to negotiate fees or explore alternatives like Side Door. In Michigan's diverse markets from urban Detroit to rural Upper Peninsula homeowners are finding that platforms like Side Door make homeownership more accessible. In Florida, where rapid market growth often overwhelms first-time buyers, such tools help level the playing field.

Navigating Challenges in a Changing Market

Despite the promise of lower fees, the transition to new commission practices isn't without hurdles. For many in Michigan and Florida, where traditional real estate models remain entrenched, the idea of managing a sale or purchase without a full-service agent feels intimidating. Errors in paperwork or missteps in negotiations can lead to costly delays or legal complications. Side Door mitigates these risks with guided workflows and expert support, but the shift requires homeowners to embrace a learning curve that can feel steep for those accustomed to delegating everything to an agent.

Perception poses another challenge. As a startup, Side Door competes with established real estate giants that invest heavily in polished websites and aggressive marketing. Some homeowners hesitate, wary of trusting a newer platform over familiar names. Yet, Side Door's focus on transparency and flexibility sets it apart. By prioritizing user needs over flashy campaigns, it's carving out a niche for those who value control and savings over convention. Addressing these concerns head-on, Side Door is working to educate homeowners about the benefits of its model, particularly in regions like West Michigan and Florida, where skepticism about change lingers.

Opportunities for Homeowners and Professionals

The evolving commission landscape offers significant benefits for both homeowners and real estate professionals. For buyers and sellers, lower fees translate to greater financial freedom. A study by the Urban Institute highlights that changes in agent fee structures benefit all consumers, particularly those who adopt innovative platforms. In Michigan, where markets vary widely, Side Door's tools make homeownership more attainable for first-time buyers and independent sellers. In Florida's high-stakes markets, they help buyers compete without overpaying, ensuring more equitable access to housing.

Real estate professionals also stand to gain. Agents, title companies, and inspectors can use Side Door to reach clients who might not have considered them in a traditional model. Rather than vying for attention in a crowded market, they can showcase their expertise to a targeted audience seeking specific services. This creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem: homeowners access tailored support, and professionals tap into new deal opportunities. A Michigan agent summed it up: “Side Door lets me focus on delivering value to clients without the pressure of being a one-size-fits-all solution.”

The NAR settlement has further amplified these opportunities by encouraging negotiation and flexibility in commission agreements. Homeowners can now explore options like flat-fee services or reduced rates, as outlined in resources like Clever's guide to commission negotiation. For professionals, this opens doors to collaborate with clients who prioritize value over tradition, fostering a more dynamic market.

The Future of Homeownership Post-NAR Settlement

The real estate industry is at a pivotal moment. The NAR settlement has set the stage for a more transparent, flexible market, and platforms like Side Door are leading the charge. By offering tools that empower buyers and sellers to customize their experience, Side Door is redefining what it means to navigate a property transaction. In Michigan, West Michigan, Holland, and Florida, this shift is already reshaping local markets, giving homeowners the confidence to save money and reduce stress.

Looking ahead, the future of real estate lies in technology and transparency. As commission practices continue to evolve, platforms like Side Door will play a critical role in making homeownership more accessible and equitable. For those in Michigan and Florida, the message is clear: you don't need to pay exorbitant fees to achieve your real estate goals. With the right tools and a willingness to embrace change, homeowners can step through the side door into a world of possibilities where savings, control, and smarter outcomes are just the beginning.

Compliance and Localization Notes

Content Accuracy & Transparency sidedoorapp_compliance.: The article uses verified statistics from the provided JSON file, with commission rates (5.57%, ranging from 4.92% to 6.03%) sourced directly from Clever Real Estate

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the NAR settlement change real estate commission practices?

The NAR settlement, finalized in 2024, requires greater transparency in commission agreements, mandating that agents clearly outline their fees upfront. This change gives buyers and sellers more leverage to negotiate fees or explore alternative platforms that offer à la carte services. The shift has disrupted the traditional commission structure where average rates stood at 5.57% nationwide, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars on transactions.

How much can homeowners save by using alternative real estate platforms in Michigan and Florida?

Homeowners in Michigan and Florida can save thousands of dollars by using platforms that allow them to select only the services they need instead of paying full-service agent commissions. For example, on a $400,000 home with traditional 5.57% commission rates, sellers could pay over $20,000 in fees, but by choosing transparent, à la carte services, many homeowners have reported savings of $10,000 or more while maintaining control over their transactions.

What are the main challenges of buying or selling a home without a traditional real estate agent?

The primary challenges include managing paperwork independently, navigating legal disclosures, and handling negotiations without professional guidance, which can lead to costly mistakes if not done carefully. Additionally, some homeowners feel intimidated by the learning curve and may be hesitant to trust newer platforms over established real estate companies. However, modern platforms address these concerns by offering guided workflows, vetted professional networks, and expert support to help buyers and sellers through each step of the transaction process.

Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.

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