Selling Your Home Now: 5 Things You Must Know

The market is shifting, and commission rules are changing nationwide. If you are listing soon, here is what actually matters and how to navigate it with clear expectations.

1) Buyer-agent commissions are no longer shown in the MLS

• Timing: MLS stopped publishing buyer-agent commissions on August 13, 2024. New rules are enforceable August 17, 2024.

• What it means for you: Your listing agreement should only set your agreement with your listing agent. You do not pre-commit to paying a buyer’s agent inside the listing contract.

• How it works now: Buyers sign a buyer-broker agreement before touring. When they write an offer, they may include a Seller Payment to Buyer’s Broker request. You can accept, negotiate, or decline. Be open to negotiation so you do not lose strong offers over structure.

How to coach your agent when asked “what will the seller pay?”

“Please submit your best offer. The seller is open to cooperating on buyer-broker compensation, subject to price and terms.”

2) Know your market and set expectations

• Inventory and days on market are rising in many areas.

• Plan for more time to secure the right offer.

• Pricing with the market saves you from large reductions later. The most valuable day is day one.

3) Do not negotiate furniture until contingencies are removed

Personal items create drama and delays. If you plan to sell anything, wait until all buyer contingencies are removed. Better yet, assume furniture is not included.

4) Buyers care about the house, not your situation

Requests for long rent-backs, premium prices, or covering your personal needs rarely land. Focus on a clean presentation, fair pricing, and cooperative terms. Be open to credits and reasonable timelines.

5) If you are overpriced, you help your neighbors sell

Buyers rarely write offers far below ask. If activity is weak, adjust meaningfully. Do not chase with tiny reductions. Also do not overthink photo order or listing prose if the core issue is price, time, or marketing quality.

Bonus: Sell or rent?

This is personal. Consider reserves, risk tolerance, and worst-case scenarios like major repairs while tenanting. If cash is tight, high leverage can be risky. Speak with a trusted financial advisor before deciding.

Quick checklist for sellers

• Sign listing agreement that covers only your agreement with your listing agent.

• Be ready to evaluate buyer requests for buyer-broker compensation inside the offer.

• Price with current comps and trends.

• Keep furniture out of negotiations until after contingency removal.

• Track days on market and adjust with intent, not tweaks.