The Buyer-Agent Compensation Shift: What 2025 Demands of You

A little over a year ago, I told a room of REALTORS®: “When a paradigm shifts, past success guarantees nothing. Everyone goes back to zero.”

That was the day our MLS removed the field showing buyer-agent compensation. It wasn’t a rumor – it happened. And with it, the way we work changed forever.

Fast forward to 2025: lawsuits, settlements, and new compliance rules have reshaped the landscape. If you thought this would “blow over,” you now know – it hasn’t. The ground has shifted, and agents who adapt are moving forward, while others are getting left behind.

What’s Changed Since Then

• Compensation is no longer guaranteed.  If you represent buyers, you must know how you’ll get paid and explain it clearly to clients.
• Lawsuits and compliance are real.  Workarounds are under scrutiny. Antitrust and transparency aren’t optional.
• Consumers expect clarity.  They want to know exactly what they’re paying for. If you can’t articulate your value, you risk being replaced.

What You Must Do Now

1. Master the Forms  Take CAR’s classes on buyer and listing forms. Know them cold. Why? Because if you don’t, you’re already behind.
2. Sharpen Negotiation Skills  Compensation is a negotiation, not a default. Invest in training. This is the most valuable skill you can build this year.
3. Answer the Question: Why Should I Work With You?  With thousands of agents in your market, why should a buyer or seller choose you? If you don’t have a strong answer, you’ve got work to do.

Your Opportunity in 2025

When computers hit real estate, I was one of the first to use one. That move launched me into the top 10% of my office. Later, it was cell phones. Each shift rewarded those who seized it.

This is another shift. Everyone went back to zero. That’s not bad news – it’s your chance to move ahead.

Plan to win. Prepare to win. Expect to win.  Because the agents who take action now will be the ones standing tall when the dust settles.

Quick note: What I’ve shared here is based on what’s happening in California. If you’re reading this somewhere else, your rules and forms may be different. Don’t take my word for it—check with your broker and your local MLS to make sure you’re 100% in compliance where you work.