What Happened — and Why It Matters
In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors agreed to a $418 million settlement to resolve a wave of antitrust lawsuits. The core allegation? That the industry had been keeping commissions artificially high for decades by requiring sellers to set the buyer's agent commission before listing on the MLS.
A Missouri jury had already sided with sellers in the landmark Burnett v. NAR case, awarding a $1.78 billion verdict. The message was clear: the old way of doing business was broken.
The settlement introduced sweeping rule changes that took effect on August 17, 2024 — and they've fundamentally shifted how commissions work in every real estate transaction, including right here in the Inland Empire.
The Three Biggest Changes
1. Sellers no longer set the buyer's agent commission on the MLS.
Under the old system, a seller would typically agree to pay 5–6% total commission — split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent — before their home even hit the MLS. That commission was visible to every buyer's agent, and critics argued it created a system where agents could steer buyers toward higher-paying listings. Now, offers of compensation to the buyer's agent are prohibited on the MLS. Sellers can still choose to offer buyer concessions, but it happens off the MLS and is fully negotiable.
2. Buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes.
This is a big one. Buyers now need to sign a formal agreement that spells out exactly what their agent will charge — before the first showing. No more handshake deals. This gives buyers real visibility into what they're paying for.
3. Commissions are fully negotiable — and must be disclosed as such.
Every agreement now requires a clear statement that commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. This was technically always true, but now it's front and center.
What Hasn't Changed (Yet)
Here's the reality check: despite the settlement's goal of driving down commissions, the numbers tell a different story. According to industry data, the average total commission nationwide still hovers around 5.5%. Buyer's agent fees dipped briefly after the settlement but have since rebounded.
Why? In today's market, most sellers are still choosing to cover the buyer's agent fee to keep their home competitive. With elevated inventory and motivated buyers, sellers don't want to create friction that could slow down their sale.
The bottom line: the settlement gave consumers more transparency and negotiating power — but it didn't automatically make traditional agents cheaper.
Why This Makes the 1% Model More Relevant Than Ever
This is where the new rules actually work in your favor.
The settlement made one thing crystal clear: commission rates are negotiable, and you don't have to accept the "standard" rate. Sellers are waking up to the fact that they have options — and a full-service listing at 1% is one of the best options available.
Here's the math for Inland Empire sellers:
- On a $785,000 Rancho Cucamonga home, you save $15,700 (1% vs. 3% listing fee)
- On an $835,000 Upland home, you save $16,700
- On a $1.1 million Claremont home, you save $22,000
That's real money — and you get the same professional service: MLS listing on 500+ sites, professional photography, open houses, expert negotiation, and full transaction management.
The old system made it hard to question the 3% listing fee because it was baked into the MLS structure. The NAR settlement tore that structure down. Now sellers can see clearly that paying 3% to list their home is a choice, not a requirement.
What Inland Empire Sellers Should Do Now
If you're thinking about selling in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Claremont, North Fontana, or anywhere in the Inland Empire, here's what the post-settlement landscape means for you:
Know your rights. Commissions are negotiable. You are not locked into a 3% listing fee. Ask agents directly what they charge and what you get for that fee.
Compare services, not just rates. A low commission only matters if the service is still there. Make sure you're getting full MLS exposure, professional marketing, and experienced negotiation — not a discount that cuts corners.
Don't overpay for the buyer's agent either. You can offer a competitive buyer concession without inflating your total costs. Work with your listing agent to set a strategy that attracts buyers without leaving money on the table.
Get a free home valuation. Before you commit to anything, know what your home is worth and exactly how much you'll save at 1%. No obligation, no pressure.
The Bottom Line
The NAR settlement didn't lower commissions overnight — but it gave sellers the transparency and leverage to stop overpaying. The 1% listing model isn't a reaction to the settlement. It's the model the settlement was designed to make possible.
If you're an Inland Empire homeowner thinking about selling, there's never been a better time to explore what a 1% full-service listing can do for you.
Ready to see what you'll save? Get your free home valuation →