Should Home Sellers Embrace 1% Listing Commissions to Win in the Post-NAR Era of 2026?

In the wake of the landmark NAR settlement, 1% listing commissions are no longer merely a cost-saving option but a strategic imperative for home sellers aiming to maximize their equity and gain a competitive edge. This transformative shift empowers sellers to retain significantly more of their home’s value while still receiving comprehensive, full service Realtor® services from a leading low cost real estate broker like 1 Percent Lists. By 2026, this transparent, seller-centric model will define the smart seller’s approach, challenging outdated norms and setting a new standard for real estate transactions.

Key Takeaways

• The NAR settlement makes 1% listing commissions a strategic move for maximizing seller equity.
• Sellers can retain significantly more of their home’s value without compromising on full service Realtor® support.
• This transparent, seller-centric model is poised to become the new standard for smart sellers by 2026.

What Does the Post-NAR Era Mean for Home Sellers?

The “Post-NAR Era” refers to the period following the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) settlement, a landmark agreement that profoundly reshapes how real estate commissions are structured and paid. At its core, the settlement ends the long-standing practice of mandatory cooperative compensation, where listing brokers were required to offer compensation to buyer brokers through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

This seismic industry change brings several key shifts for homeowners:

• **Increased Control:** Sellers gain more direct control over the financial aspects of their home sale.
• **Unbundled Buyer Agent Compensation:** The former practice of mandatory cooperative compensation for buyer agents through the MLS has ended.
• **Greater Transparency:** Sellers now have clearer visibility into all commission components.
• **Negotiation Power:** Homeowners can independently negotiate their listing agent’s commission.
• **Altered Financial Landscape:** The overall financial structure of real estate transactions is fundamentally changing, empowering sellers to retain more equity.

Why Are Traditional 6% Commissions Becoming Obsolete for Sellers?

For decades, the 6% commission model was the unquestioned norm, with sellers typically paying 3% to their listing agent and 3% to the buyer’s agent. This historical context reveals a structure that no longer serves the modern seller’s best interests. The lack of transparency in this model meant sellers often didn’t fully understand the burden of paying the buyer’s agent commission, nor did they have a clear avenue to negotiate it.

The new rules will force sellers to scrutinize every dollar spent on commissions, accelerating the demand for more efficient and equitable models. As Grant Clayton, founder of 1 Percent Lists, often states, “The old guard of real estate is crumbling, and sellers are finally waking up to how much they’ve been overpaying.” The inherent structure of the traditional model, which often masked the true cost of selling, is now exposed, making it increasingly obsolete for the financially savvy homeowner.

What Are the Undeniable Advantages of a 1% Listing Agent for Sellers?

Partnering with a 1 percent listing agent offers compelling advantages that directly impact a seller’s bottom line and market position.

• Significant Equity Retention: This is the most direct and impactful benefit. By choosing a 1 percent listing agent, sellers can save thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars compared to traditional models. For example, on a $400,000 home, a 1% listing commission saves a seller $8,000 compared to a 3% listing commission. This directly impacts their net proceeds, allowing them to retain significantly more of their hard-earned equity. Understanding seller closing costs becomes even more critical when every percentage point matters.
• Full-Service, No Compromise: There’s a persistent myth that lower commissions equate to inferior service. This couldn’t be further from the truth for a leading low cost real estate broker like 1 Percent Lists. We provide comprehensive support from listing to close, ensuring no compromise on quality or expertise. We challenge the notion that “you get what you pay for” by proving that efficiency and value can coexist with top-tier service.
• Market Flexibility & Appeal: Retaining more equity provides sellers with greater financial flexibility. This can translate into more aggressive or strategic pricing, or the ability to offer buyer incentives (like covering some closing costs) that make their property more attractive in a competitive market. This newfound flexibility can be a powerful tool in securing a faster, more favorable sale.

Can a Low Cost Real Estate Broker Still Deliver Top-Tier Marketing and Support?

Absolutely. Modern low cost real estate brokers, like 1 Percent Lists, leverage advanced technology, streamlined processes, and efficient business models to deliver exceptional service without the inflated price tag. We believe that true value in real estate representation is measured by expertise, results, and client satisfaction, not by a percentage.

Our full service Realtor® offerings include:

• Professional photography and virtual tours
• Strategic pricing analysis and market insights
• Robust online marketing across major platforms
• Expert negotiation skills
• Seamless contract management and closing support

We prove that you don’t need to pay exorbitant fees for quality. In fact, top producers performance data often shows that efficient, client-focused brokers outperform those clinging to outdated commission structures.

How Does 1 Percent Lists Lead the Charge in the New Real Estate Landscape?

1 Percent Lists was founded on the principle that sellers deserve more of their equity. We are a pioneer in offering full service Realtor® services for only 1 percent commission, actively disrupting the status quo long before the NAR settlement.

Our founder, Grant Clayton, is a recognized thought leader in the industry, known for challenging conventional wisdom and empowering sellers. His vision is not just about saving money; it’s about changing the way people think about real estate commissions and advocating for a more transparent, seller-centric model. We believe the outdated buyer representation rules have long disadvantaged sellers.

Our proven track record and rapid growth as one of the fastest growing real estate franchises in the country demonstrate widespread market acceptance and a successful, sustainable model. We’re not just adapting to the future; we’re building it.

What Should Smart Sellers Do to Prepare for 2026 and Beyond?

The real estate landscape is evolving rapidly, and smart sellers need to be proactive.

• Educate Yourself: Proactively understand the evolving commission landscape and the new opportunities available to you. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your largest asset.
• Rethink Traditional Assumptions: Challenge long-held beliefs about real estate commissions. Just because something was done a certain way for decades doesn’t mean it’s the best way forward. Explore innovative, cost-effective solutions. Don’t fall for the myth that luxury agents vs. discount brokers automatically means better service.
• Partner with a Forward-Thinking Broker: Choose a low cost real estate broker like 1 Percent Lists that is aligned with the future of real estate and committed to maximizing your profits, not just their own.

Conclusion: The Future of Selling is Smart, Transparent, and 1%

The post-NAR era is not just a regulatory change; it’s a paradigm shift. The inevitability and overwhelming advantages of the 1% commission model for winning in this new landscape are clear. Maximizing your equity without sacrificing full service is not just possible—it’s the new standard for smart sellers. Don’t get left behind clinging to outdated models.

Contact 1 Percent Lists today to learn how to make the smart seller’s move and secure your financial advantage in 2026 and beyond.