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Who Pays Realtor Fees After NAR Settlement?

Do Sellers Still Pay Both Agents’ Commissions After the New Rules in Texas?

If you are planning to sell in the DFW area, you have probably heard about the NAR settlement, new buyer‑representation rules, and changing MLS practices—and you may be wondering who pays realtor fees after NAR settlement in Texas now. Many sellers hear “big commission changes” and assume they will suddenly stop paying the buyer’s agent, but the reality is more nuanced.

In most Texas transactions, especially around Denton County and the northern suburbs, sellers are still heavily involved in paying agent commissions; however, how those fees are negotiated and disclosed has changed.

What the NAR Settlement Actually Changed

The NAR settlement did not “ban” real estate commissions, and it did not set any fixed rates. Instead, it focused on how commissions are offered, negotiated, and disclosed, especially on the buyer side.

Key shifts that affect Texas sellers and buyers include:

  • MLS platforms no longer display blanket offers of compensation from listing brokers to buyer brokers the way they used to.

  • Buyer representation agreements are now front‑and‑center and must spell out how the buyer’s agent will be paid.

  • Conversations about compensation are more explicit, with both buyers and sellers encouraged to negotiate rather than assume “standard” fees.

So, commissions are still very much part of the process, but the rules are designed to make who pays what more transparent and more negotiable.

Do Sellers Still Pay the Buyer’s Agent in Texas?

In practice, yes—many Texas sellers are still agreeing to pay the buyer’s agent, even after the NAR settlement and the newer Texas rules. While the MLS may not show the offer in the same way, sellers can still authorize their listing broker to offer compensation to buyer brokers as part of the listing strategy.

Why would a seller still do that in DFW? Because offering compensation to the buyer’s agent can:

  • Help attract more qualified buyers and showings.

  • Make it easier for financed buyers whose budgets are tight.

  • Keep your listing competitive against similar homes that are offering buyer‑agent compensation.

However, it is no longer something that happens automatically behind the scenes. Sellers now sit down with their listing agent and decide whether, and how much, they are willing to contribute toward the buyer’s side.

Can Sellers Refuse to Pay the Buyer’s Agent?

Under the new framework, sellers can choose not to offer compensation to a buyer’s broker and instead expect buyers to cover their own agent’s fee directly. This is allowed, but it comes with trade‑offs.

When a seller declines to pay the buyer’s agent:

  • Some buyers may be less able or willing to view the home, especially first‑time buyers with tight cash reserves.

  • The buyer’s agent must negotiate compensation separately with their client or seek other arrangements.

  • The listing may be at a competitive disadvantage against similar homes that are offering buyer‑agent compensation.

So, while you can shift more of the responsibility to the buyer, you and your listing agent need a clear pricing and marketing strategy so you do not lose momentum in a market like DFW.

How Buyer Agreements Change the Conversation

Another key change in Texas is the emphasis on written buyer representation agreements before agents show homes. These agreements spell out exactly how the buyer’s agent will be paid—whether through:

  • Compensation offered by the seller/listing broker.

  • A separate fee paid by the buyer.

  • Some blend of the two, all negotiated up front.

For sellers, this means the buyer’s side is no longer “invisible”. Buyers are more aware of their agent’s fee, and that brings more conversations—and sometimes more negotiation—around how much you as the seller are willing to contribute.

So Who Pays Realtor Fees After the NAR Settlement in DFW?

In the DFW market today, here is the practical, straight‑talk answer to who pays realtor fees after NAR settlement:

  • Sellers still typically pay their listing agent according to the listing agreement.

  • Sellers often still pay some or all of the buyer’s agent fee, but now it is explicitly negotiated rather than automatically embedded in MLS offers.

  • Buyers may absorb more of their agent’s fee in some situations, especially if a particular seller chooses not to offer buyer‑side compensation.

The total commission has always been negotiable, and after the settlement, it is simply more common for that negotiation to happen openly between all parties.

Where Your Home Free – Team Nelson Fits Into the New Landscape

Your Home Free – Team Nelson has always approached commissions differently by focusing on protecting your equity, especially when you are selling and buying in the same market. Their ORIGINAL “Buy Any House Thru Me, I’ll Sell Your Home Free” program reduces or waives the listing‑side commission for qualifying sellers who also buy their next home through the team, while the buyer’s agent commission still applies.

Even with the new rules, the core idea remains powerful for DFW sellers:

  • You still receive full‑service pricing, marketing, 3D tours, and negotiation support.​

  • The listing‑side commission is reduced or waived under the program, which can significantly improve your net.

  • Buyer‑agent compensation is discussed transparently and structured in a way that keeps your listing attractive while honoring the new requirements.​​

In other words, Your Home Free is built around commission transparency and equity protection, which aligns well with the post‑settlement environment in Texas.​​

Key Takeaways for Texas Buyers and Sellers

  • The NAR settlement did not eliminate commissions; it changed how they are negotiated and displayed, especially for buyer’s agents.

  • Texas sellers often still pay some or all of the buyer’s agent commission, but now they make that decision more explicitly with their listing broker.

  • Buyers sign written agreements that spell out how their agent will be paid, which can involve seller contributions, buyer‑paid fees, or a mix of both.

  • Your Home Free – Team Nelson continues to focus on protecting seller equity through its ORIGINAL “Buy Any House Thru Me, I’ll Sell Your Home Free” program, while remaining compliant with new rules and transparent about who pays what.​

Call Your Home Free – Team Nelson at 972‑317‑5900 to schedule a no‑pressure consultation, or stop by the Highland Village office to talk through your options before you list.

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