How the NAR Settlement & Flat Fee Buyers Are Changing Real Estate in San Francisco

In an era when median home prices in San Francisco exceeded $1.3 million, paying a traditional 2.5% commission could cost buyers $32,500 in fees, just to find and close on a home. But thanks to the landmark NAR Settlement (announced March 2024, effective August 17, 2024), that’s all changing.

No longer will the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) display agent commissions or steer buyers toward higher-priced properties purely for bigger payouts. Instead, buyers now have the power to choose and negotiate with a flat fee agent who puts their interests first. Enter Flat Fee Buyers, the exclusive flat fee realtor team in the Bay Area that’s ready to help you capitalize on this seismic shift.

A Blow to Traditional Commission Structures

For decades, the standard 5% commission, split between the buyer's and seller's agents, has been a near-universal norm in real estate transactions across the United States. The Sitzer v. NAR verdict challenges this status quo, calling into question practices that may restrict competition and harm consumer interests.

You Pick the Home, We Handle the Rest (for a $9,999)

The NAR Settlement dismantles outdated MLS rules and forces full transparency. You now control your agent’s compensation. That means you can pick a flat fee buyer’s agent with confidence, and get expert help without giving up tens of thousands.

As exclusive buyer-only agents, we don’t list homes or waste time on endless showings. Instead, we focus solely on YOU, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing cost. Read on to discover how Flat Fee Buyers saves you money, time, and stress while giving you full-service buyer representation.

What Is the NAR Settlement & Why Does It Matter

1. Commission Rates Hidden: MLS no longer shows listing or buyer commission rates.

2. Mandatory Written Agent Compensation Agreements: Buyers must sign clear, binding agreements explaining fees before agents schedule tours.

3. Anti-Commission Steering: Agents cannot recommend homes based on higher commissions, period.

4. Empowered Negotiations: Buyers can freely negotiate with agents (including flat fee or fixed price agents) about services and pricing.

The result? A fairer, more transparent playing field where buyers hold the cards and the keys.

How the NAR Settlement Supercharges Flat Fee Services

Before, buyers often didn’t know compensation details until late in the process. Now, the onus is on agents to clearly define their services, and that’s where flat fee real estate services in San Francisco like ours thrive.

With our flat fee realtor model, you:

• Pay one flat fee of $9,999, no surprises

• Control exactly how much you spend

• Benefit from full-service buyer representation, including offer prep, disclosures review, consultations, and closing

Now that the NAR Settlement requires binding fee agreements up front, there's no guesswork; you pay for quality, not inflated percentages.

Flat Fee Buyers is a team dedicated exclusively to representing buyers in San Francisco real estate, not listing homes or chasing seller commissions. We focus on helping you evaluate, negotiate, and close your chosen property.

Our Services Include:

• Unlimited offers

• Unlimited disclosure analysis

• Unlimited consultations

• Unlimited property information requests

• Private house visits

• Full coordination through the final contract and closing

That means all our attention is on YOU, finding savings, negotiating terms, and ensuring full transparency from start to finish.

Final Take

The NAR Settlement has revolutionized how real estate agent compensation works, opening the door for clear, competitive, buyer-focused services.

With Flat Fee Buyers, you’re harnessing that change: paying one flat fee, gaining premium flat fee real estate services in San Francisco, and receiving full-service buyer representation by a dedicated, exclusive team. No listings. No fluff. Just high-value support that saves you thousands.

If you already have a home in mind, it’s time to hire a team that puts your needs and your wallet first. Reach out today to see how much you could save!