5 Tips for Real Estate Agents to Get More Listings in Today's Market with NAR's Commission Changes + Bonus Script

The recent changes by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) regarding commissions for buyer's agents have created a new landscape in the real estate market. With these shifts, it's more important than ever for agents to refine their strategies to secure more listings. Here are five actionable tips to help you thrive in this evolving market.

1. Leverage Your Expertise in Pricing Strategy

With buyers potentially facing higher out-of-pocket expenses due to the changes in commission structures, pricing a property right has never been more critical. Educate your sellers on the importance of competitive pricing to attract more buyers. Use your expertise in market analysis to showcase the benefits of pricing accurately from the start, emphasizing how it can lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers.

Tip: Offer a complimentary pricing consultation to potential sellers, highlighting how your pricing strategy aligns with the current market trends and the new commission structure.

2. Strengthen Your Marketing Efforts

In the face of commission changes, effective marketing can make all the difference in securing listings. Develop a robust, multi-channel marketing plan that includes professional photography, virtual tours, social media promotion, and targeted online advertising. Sellers will be looking for agents who can maximize their property’s visibility, especially as buyer dynamics shift.

Tip: Highlight your marketing plan during listing presentations, demonstrating how it will attract motivated buyers even in a changing commission environment.

3. Educate Sellers About the NAR Changes

Many sellers may not fully understand how the recent NAR changes impact the selling process. Take the opportunity to educate them on these changes and how they might affect negotiations and overall costs. By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable resource, you build trust and reinforce your value as an agent.

Tip: Create an educational guide or host a webinar that explains the NAR changes and what they mean for sellers, positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your market.

Check out this video with a script you can use to explain the settlement and how it impacts buyers/sellers.    

4. Enhance Your Negotiation Skills

Negotiation will play a more prominent role in securing favorable deals under the new commission rules. Sellers will need an agent who can skillfully navigate offers and counteroffers to ensure they get the best possible outcome. Focus on refining your negotiation tactics and clearly communicate your strategy to potential clients.

Tip: During your listing presentations, share examples of past negotiations where your skills led to successful outcomes, and explain how you’ll apply those skills in today’s market.

5. Expand Your Referral Network

With the market in flux, expanding your referral network can be a powerful way to secure more listings. Build relationships with other professionals in the industry, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and attorneys, who can refer sellers to you. Additionally, stay in touch with past clients who may know someone looking to sell.

Tip: Create a referral program that rewards past clients and industry contacts for sending new sellers your way, further incentivizing them to keep you top of mind.

Conclusion

The real estate market is changing, but with the right strategies, you can continue to secure more listings and succeed in this new environment. By focusing on pricing, marketing, education, negotiation, and referrals, you’ll position yourself as a leader in your market and build a strong, resilient business.