Buying a Home Just Got More COMPLICATED! 

That is the million dollar question! Right now, I don't think anyone really truly knows. Right now, most buyers are not even aware of the changes. As this thing evolves, I think you will see some agents leave the business. I think you will see some new business models enter the business. Do I think buyer agents are going away? No, but I do think the public will demand more value from their agent. As this thing takes hold, you will see some sellers may decide not to pay a buyer's agent. (Depending on the market) Will there be some commission compression? Yes. In the past 25 years, the median commission rate has gone down, and I do think this trend will continue. This will favor listing agents and agents who represent builders. The other trend you will see will be a lot more open houses. Will these new rules have any effect on home prices? Absolutely not. I think there will be a small segment of buyers may decide to represent themselves and not hire an agent in an attempt to save money. Not understanding that going directly to the listing agent just means the listing agent will "double dip" the commission. (Meaning the listing agent will get both the buying side and listing side of the transaction.) Unfortunately, some buyers who don't do their homework, will find them locked into 6 month contracts with no means of escape if they don't like their agent. Great question, and thanks for the comment.

I think the jury is still out on how this all shakes out. You could be right. There could be more people opting to go on their own. Time will tell. Thanks for the comment.