Buying a Home in 2026? Read This.

If you're buying a home this year, new rules mean you may have to cover your agent’s fee—often thousands of dollars, out of pocket.

But there’s a smart way to avoid that. This free guide shows you how.

Get the FREE guide now

In 2025, significant changes to real estate commission structures have taken effect in St. Petersburg. This guide breaks down what you need to know to navigate buying or selling a home under the new rules.

In 2025, significant changes to real estate commissions have taken effect in St. Petersburg, Florida. This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy or sell a home under the new rules.

2026 Changes Affecting Homebuyers

What's inside the Guide:

What's changed in 2025 -- and how it impacts you
Why sellers no longer have to pay the buyer’s agent
How buyers can avoid paying commissions out of pocket
Real examples + smart negotiation strategies
Written by a top St. Pete Realtor®

What readers are saying

Reviews

“I had no idea about this. I'm not looking to pay commissions out of pocket, so now I have a plan to avoid it!”

Keri N,

Largo

Marcus

St Pete

“I'm buying a house soon and feel better prepared. I also hired Steve to be my agent.”

Terry

St Pete

“Seriously, don't buy a house until you brush up on the new rules about commissions."

About
the Author

I’m a local Realtor here in St. Pete, and a big part of my job is helping homebuyers make confident, informed decisions. That’s why I created this guide—to explain the recent commission changes and show you how to avoid paying more than you should when buying a home. If this is your first time buying—or even your third—you deserve to know how the rules have changed and what that means for your wallet.

Steve Reynolds, Broker Associate | Realtor

Dalton Wade Real Estate

260 1st Ave S Ste 200

St Pete, Fl 33701

813-505-6796

steve@iownthis.town