The April 2025 housing market reflected a highly mixed landscape shaped by stubbornly high mortgage rates, increased builder caution, and evolving buyer behavior. Existing-home sales declined to the slowest April pace since 2009, while new home sales surprisingly jumped more than 10% from March, defying industry expectations. Although inventory levels are beginning to rise, affordability concerns and policy uncertainty continue to suppress overall transaction volume. According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, the median price of existing homes reached a record $414,000, while new homes dipped slightly to $407,200.

In the ever-evolving and competitive world of real estate, real estate commissions have emerged as a key focal point, igniting widespread discussions and legal challenges within the industry. Plymouth Title dives into the specific developments occurring in Chicago's real estate market, explores the broader national implications for home buyers and sellers, examines the National Association of Realtors (NAR) stance amidst escalating legal battles, and forecasts the potential transformations in real estate transaction models. This exploration is crucial for understanding the current trends and future directions of real estate commissions, which play a vital role in shaping the experiences of buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike.