Plus, how real estate commissions have changed
| |  | | May 14, 2025 | | | | | | | | Buying a Car in 2025: There's More to It Than Tariffs | By Al Lewis
New tariffs on auto imports could raise the price of a new car by anywhere from $2,500 to $12,000, analysts estimate. And the average new car already sells for over $47,000, thanks to price increases triggered by the pandemic. But there's a lot more to the car buying process than tariffs. Before you rush into anything, here's what you need to know. | | | | | | | | | | How Does a Realtor Get Paid When You Buy a House? | | | By Carole Braden
That's a good question. And the answer, for now, is that a recent legal settlement created sweeping change to the real estate industry, putting the protocol for paying agents in flux.
For agents — on the seller's or buyer's side — it's long been business as usual to receive compensation via commission, as opposed to a set fee.
Sellers typically paid commissions of 5% to 6% of a house's price after what is known as the "closing" of a home they sold, and that money was split between the seller's and buyer's agents, plus other pros involved in the transaction.
The higher the sales price, the more agents got paid.
But in 2024, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), a trade association, and a number of real estate brokerages, settled a group of lawsuits claiming that agents received inflated commissions. NAR paid $418 million and agreed to make changes to the commission structure.
Here's a closer look at how the changes affect costs for both homebuyers and sellers. | | | | | | | | | | 30-Day Rule | | | | | The 30-day rule is a simple way to curb overspending. In short, when you're tempted to buy something you don't need, force yourself to wait 30 days to determine how important it is to you. The extra time can help you avoid impulse buys that lead to credit card debt.
Even better? Put what you would have spent on the item into your savings account while you wait. If the purchase is a must-have after the 30 days, use it. If not, you've just pumped up your savings in the process. | | | | | |  | | Almost every millionaire in America has these 5 things. Which can you cross off your list? (Moneywise) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of May 2025 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more.
Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn't be construed as an endorsement.
The information provided is general in nature and shouldn't be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi's afliates and subsidiaries. Addtionally, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. values your privacy and the security of your personal information so please do not include sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, in any email or letter that you send to us.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. 234 1st St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Licenses
© 2025 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
w: 20250514 | | |
No comments: