Agents have typically taken a commission on the sale of a home that totals 5% to 6% of the price. But new rules have created an opening for brokers who charge much less.

A settlement by the National Realtors Association promises to change the way real estate agents are compensated. It could spell an end to 6% commissions, which are higher than people pay elsewhere.

The National Association of Realtors has reached a national settlement that could change the way real estate agents are paid. Critics say the current system keeps commissions artificially high.