Massive real estate settlement could bring changes for Seattle-area homebuyers

A massive legal settlement could upend the Seattle-area real estate industry and fundamentally shift the way homebuyers pay their agents. The National Association of Realtors announced Friday it has reached a $418-million settlement agreement stemming from a federal lawsuit accusing the trade group of inflating real estate agent commissions. The 1.5-million-member organization agreed to make key changes to its commission practices. The news set off a flurry of speculation about just how much upheaval could be coming to the industry many Americans navigate to make the most expensive purchase of...