Real Estate News

Signs of a More Buyer-Friendly Housing Market Emerge for Spring Home Shoppers

The spring housing market is showing promising signs for buyers in 2025. Market conditions are shifting to create more opportunities, better pricing, and increased inventory for home shoppers

flareAI Services

28 Sep 2025 — 6 min read

Quick Listen:

Podcast

Picture yourself walking through a neighborhood of charming bungalows, each with a “For Sale” sign swaying in the spring breeze. For years, buying a home felt like a seller's game bidding wars, soaring prices, and hefty commissions stacked the deck. But as spring 2025 approaches, a seismic shift is reshaping the housing market, tilting it toward buyers. Driven by a landmark legal settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the rules governing real estate commissions are changing, offering homebuyers new leverage to negotiate better deals. This isn't just a blip it's a transformation that could save buyers thousands.

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!

New Commission Rules Reshape the Market

In October 2023, a federal court in Missouri delivered a verdict that sent shockwaves through the real estate industry. The Burnett v. NAR case held the NAR and major brokerages like RE/MAX and Keller Williams accountable for a price-fixing scheme that inflated commissions, forcing home sellers to bear higher costs for brokerage services. In the U.S., where most homes are sold through NAR-affiliated agents known as Realtors commissions have typically averaged 6% of a home's sale price. That's a steep $30,000 on a $500,000 home, far exceeding rates in countries like Canada or the UK.

The settlement, finalized in late 2023, dismantled this rigid commission structure. Sellers are no longer locked into standard rates, and buyers can now negotiate their agent's fees directly or ask sellers to cover them. As US News reports, this newfound flexibility is empowering buyers to push for lower costs, potentially shaving thousands off their home purchase. The change is gaining momentum as spring 2025 nears, setting the stage for a more negotiable market.

Buyers Gain an Edge

What does this mean for someone stepping into the housing market this spring? Real savings, for one. Consider a family eyeing a $600,000 home. In the past, they'd face $36,000 in total commissions, split between their agent and the seller's. Now, with negotiable rates, they might trim that by 1% or more saving $6,000 or even $12,000. That's money for a better mortgage, new furniture, or a rainy-day fund. According to Realtor.com, markets like Charlotte and Denver are already seeing slower price growth and rising inventory, giving buyers more room to haggle.

Beyond commissions, broader market trends are tilting in buyer's favor. High interest rates have cooled demand, reducing bidding wars in once-hot markets like Austin or Raleigh. Sellers, eager to close deals, are offering concessions some cover closing costs, others agree to flexible commission splits. While ultra-competitive cities like San Francisco remain tough, the overall trend suggests buyers have more leverage than they've had in years.

Real Savings in Action

Imagine a young couple in Columbus, Ohio, shopping for their first home. In 2024, they might have been outbid on every offer, forced to stretch their budget. Now, in spring 2025, they negotiate a deal where the seller covers 1.5% of their agent's commission, saving them $5,250 on a $350,000 home. This scenario, grounded in trends reported by Yahoo Finance, shows how the NAR settlement is creating tangible wins for buyers. While overall transaction costs haven't dropped dramatically, the ability to negotiate commissions is a game-changer.

In another case, a relocating family in Tampa uses a real estate tech platform to calculate potential savings. By securing a 2% commission rate instead of 3% for their buyer's agent, they save $8,000 on a $400,000 home. These examples underscore a key point: buyers who understand the new rules and negotiate strategically can pocket significant savings, especially in markets where inventory is loosening.

Navigating New Challenges

But the new landscape isn't without pitfalls. The NAR settlement, while buyer-friendly, introduces complexities. Some agents, facing lower commissions, may offer less hands-on support fewer open houses, less aggressive advocacy during negotiations. In tight markets like Seattle or Boston, low inventory can still outweigh commission savings, making it harder to score a deal. As List with Clever advises, buyers must research agents carefully and understand local dynamics to maximize their leverage.

Sellers face their own hurdles. Offering lower commissions might save money but could reduce interest from top agents who rely on higher fees to justify their effort. Fewer showings or weaker marketing can lead to longer selling times, which indirectly affects buyers by limiting available homes. The key for buyers is balance: negotiate firmly but realistically, ensuring they still get quality service.

Opportunities for the Savvy

For proactive buyers, the opportunities are substantial. First-time buyers, often squeezed by high costs, can now allocate more toward down payments or renovations. Real estate tech is amplifying this advantage. Platforms like Side Door, which offer commission calculators and market insights, empower buyers to approach deals with clarity and confidence. These tools, as noted in industry reports, are bridging the gap between traditional brokerages and tech-savvy consumers, making the process more transparent.

The business impact is equally significant. Real estate tech is surging, with companies developing AI-driven price predictors and virtual tour platforms to help buyers navigate the post-settlement market. These innovations aren't just convenient they're reshaping how buyers shop, giving them tools to compete in a complex landscape. For those on a budget, this tech-driven transparency is a lifeline, offering insights that were once the domain of seasoned agents.

A Memorable Seizing the Spring Market

As spring 2025 unfolds, the housing market is telling a new story one where buyers hold more power than they have in years. The NAR settlement has cracked open a system that long favored sellers and high commissions, giving buyers a chance to save thousands through smarter negotiations. But this isn't a market that hands out deals. Buyers must come prepared, using tools like commission calculators, researching local trends, and choosing agents wisely.

Looking ahead, the market may see further shifts new regulations, more tech innovations, or evolving commission norms. For now, spring home shoppers have a unique opportunity. As one real estate analyst put it, “The market rewards those who know the rules and play them well.” So, fire up that commission calculator, explore platforms like Side Door (note: this post may contain affiliate links to services we recommend), and step into the market with confidence. Your dream home and the savings to go with it might be closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can homebuyers save with the new real estate commission rules in 2025?

Homebuyers can potentially save thousands of dollars through negotiable commission rates following the NAR settlement. For example, on a $500,000 home, buyers might save $6,000-$12,000 by negotiating commission rates down by 1-2%. A family buying a $350,000 home could save $5,250 if the seller covers 1.5% of their agent's commission, compared to the traditional 6% total commission structure.

What changed with real estate commissions after the NAR lawsuit settlement?

The Burnett v. NAR case settlement in late 2023 dismantled the rigid 6% commission structure that previously locked sellers into standard rates. Now, sellers are no longer required to pay fixed commission percentages, and buyers can negotiate their agent's fees directly or ask sellers to cover them. This gives buyers new leverage to push for lower costs and more flexible arrangements when purchasing homes.

Are there any downsides to the new commission rules for homebuyers?

While the new rules offer savings opportunities, they also introduce some challenges. Some agents receiving lower commissions may provide less hands-on support, including fewer open houses and less aggressive negotiation advocacy. Additionally, in tight markets with low inventory like Seattle or Boston, commission savings may not outweigh supply constraints. Buyers must research agents carefully and understand local market dynamics to maximize their advantage while ensuring quality service.

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

You may also be interested in: Side Door