The real estate industry is on the brink of a major shift. When the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced its settlement earlier this year, it sent ripples across the market. A practice long considered standard—where home sellers cover both their agent’s and the buyer’s agent’s commission—will soon be up for reexamination.

The change sounds technical, maybe even small on the surface. But for buyers, sellers, agents, and everyone involved in the transaction—including your real estate title company—this is a big deal. Let’s walk through what’s changing, what stays the same, and how Security 1st Title can help guide you through it.

What Is the NAR Settlement All About?

The NAR settlement addresses concerns about anticompetitive practices in the way real estate commissions are structured. For years, sellers typically paid both their listing agent and the buyer’s agent from the sale proceeds. The new rules, expected to go into effect in mid-2025, aim to create more transparency by removing the automatic inclusion of buyer-agent commissions in MLS listings.

What does that mean for you? Buyers may now be responsible for negotiating and paying their agent’s fee out of pocket—rather than having it bundled into the sale price.

Sellers, on the other hand, might find more flexibility. They could potentially offer lower total commission payouts or opt not to pay the buyer’s agent at all. Either way, the way real estate deals are negotiated and closed is about to change.

Why This Matters to Buyers and Sellers

Buyers who previously didn’t think much about agent fees may now need to budget for them upfront. Sellers may face new conversations about value and service when listing their home. Both parties will need to read contracts more closely—and ask more questions. That’s where a trusted real estate title company makes all the difference.

Title companies aren’t just behind-the-scenes players. We’re central to the closing process, responsible for verifying ownership, resolving title issues, handling disbursements, and ensuring every dollar and signature is accounted for. In a shifting commission landscape, our role becomes even more essential.

How Security 1st Title Helps You Navigate Change

With over 80 years of experience serving Nevada, Security 1st Title understands how to manage change. Real estate markets go through cycles—regulatory shifts, economic turns, legal updates—and we’ve weathered them all.

As this new model takes shape, here’s how we continue to support you:

• Complete transparency. As agent compensation becomes more variable, we’ll make sure your closing disclosures are clear and accurate—no surprises.
• Flexible, secure closings. Whether you’re a buyer negotiating agent fees or a seller adjusting terms, we handle every document and dollar with precision.
• Contract servicing expertise. In cases where agent compensation is structured over time, our contract servicing solutions ensure payments are made securely and on schedule.
• Title protection that doesn’t change. Amid shifting trends, one thing remains constant: your need for title insurance. We safeguard your ownership against unexpected claims or hidden liens, just as we always have.

Local Matters More Than Ever

Real estate is always local. While the NAR settlement is national news, how it plays out in Nevada will reflect regional norms, local market forces, and even individual community practices. That’s why choosing a Nevada-based title company matters.

Security 1st Title combines local insight with national resources. Whether you're closing on a new home in Las Vegas, transferring an investment property in Reno, or exploring a 1031 exchange in Elko, our team brings decades of experience to every transaction.

We’re not just watching the market change—we’re helping Nevadans move confidently through it. Reach out to the experts at our real estate title company today to learn more about the NAR settlement and how it affects you.