The Automation Paradox: Why Real Estate Fees Never Dropped

In Episode 112 of Confidential Remarks, we break down one of the biggest contradictions in real estate:Over the last century, technology has transformed the industry—making home searches instant, paperwork digital, and transactions faster than ever. But despite all of these advancements, commission rates barely changed.So where did the savings go?This episode uncovers:How automation reduced the real workload in real estateWhy commission rates stayed locked for decadesThe hidden structure that kept prices from fallingWhat the 2024 NAR settlement really changedHow buyers and sellers can finally negotiate feesThe rise of flat-fee and a la carte real estate servicesThis isn’t just about real estate—it’s about how systems evolve, who benefits, and what happens when long-standing models finally break.If you're buying, selling, or just want to understand where the market is heading, this is essential viewing.