Slice of Florida Realty Shares Top 10 Must-Know Home Buying Rules for 2026 – Navigating Post-2024 Changes in Florida

Venice, FL – With the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement changes now fully in effect, Florida home buyers face a transformed landscape requiring more transparency, written agreements, and proactive decision-making. Slice of Florida Realty, a trusted local brokerage serving the Venice area and beyond, is helping buyers stay ahead with a clear, no-fluff educational series: Florida's Top 10 Home Buying Rules for 2026.

"This isn't your daddy's home-buying advice," said Steve Martin Smith, Broker/Owner. "The old assumptions about automatic seller-paid buyer agent fees and casual representation are gone. Buyers need to understand these rules—rooted in Florida Statute §475.278 and the 2024 NAR changes—to protect their interests and negotiate effectively."

The series breaks down key shifts, including:

• Buyer broker compensation is no longer automatically included in the purchase price.
• Dual agency remains prohibited in Florida (decades-long rule under §475.278).
• Transaction brokerage is the default (neutral facilitation, no fiduciary loyalty to either side) unless single agency is established in writing prior to viewing or listing property.
• Buyers must agree to fee structures and representation terms before engaging services, such as touring homes.

The full Top 10 list is available on the Slice of Florida Realty blog: https://www.sliceoffloridarealty.com/blog/floridas-top-10-home-buying-rules-for-2026/

To keep the conversation going, Slice of Florida Realty is sharing one rule per day across social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, YouTube, Rumble, and more) with engaging 15-second videos featuring custom music from Gina's On Fire! album The Good, The Bad, & The Crazy. Follow along daily for bite-sized insights and practical tips!

Venice-area residents, first-time buyers, relocating families, and real estate professionals are encouraged to follow the series on their favorite platform and visit the blog for the complete guide. Knowledge is your biggest advantage in today's market.

For interviews, questions, or to discuss how these rules impact local buyers/sellers, contact Steve Martin Smith at (941) 894-9800 or visit sliceoffloridarealty.com.

About Slice of Florida Realty Slice of Florida Realty is a full-service brokerage proudly serving Venice, Sarasota County, and surrounding areas. Committed to transparency, education, and client success, the team helps buyers and sellers navigate Florida's dynamic real estate market with confidence.