Today SF BAy Area: 60-65% listings agents 35-40% buyer agents get paid

5 Years                      75-80% listing agents, online bidding or making offers, 20-25% buyer agent get paid.

Technology will replace what used to buyer agents role as buyers have access to all information except lock box #.

Buyers and sellers under 45 will expect more empowerment.

They will reject 'one size fits all' solutions.

"INCOME' of aware agent will increase.

Nothing for the next 5 years, however with the coming of alternative places to list property, I see that eventually that a buyer agent will be more important to consumers than a listing agent.

Eve

Technology will continue to be even more important, second only to content creation which is first and foremost.

No changes.

Hoping that Realtors will be needed even more, and compensation increases!

Pretty much the same as it has been with a better supply of homes; without compensation will probably rise.

With all the disclosures and seeing how people freak when trying to fill them out I don't see much change at all

In our market we deal with over 40% REO and Short Sale properties. Sometimes the only way for a home to not go into short sale status is to list at a flat fee. This doesn't help the listing Realtor but the buyers realtor still gets a 3% commission.

I see commissions increasing in my area..... the "rookies" for whom I market are already receiving higher commissions...

My market is mainly resort and second homes, primarily luxury homes. These sellers and buyers want personalized service and are willing to pay for that value.

Tony and Suzanne - Unfortunately I think commissions will start to get reduced lower and lower.

Will there be pressure on commissions, probably. But I don’t expect much change. 5 years goes by in a blink.

I anticipate the millenials embracing Redfin rebate moderate priced homes 

The roles and compensation can be negotiated by both parties.

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers listings are going to be the key to the success of the real estate agent, I think.

They will be the BOSS!

I believe in the next 5 years buyer's agents will be getting more of the commission.

Unless something dramatic happens I see 50/50 

I see agents being respected and revered by the lay person.  Held on a pedestal.  I see Zillow and Realtor.com paying US to put our listings on their sites... hey a guy can dream, can't he?

In reality, I don't see it changing too much.  You'll have people who will undercut commissions and play questionably legal games with them and others who are full service and full priced realtors.  We'll continue to be advisors on the purchase side and instrumental on the sales side.

I really don't see any role changes in the next five years. But I could see the compensation being discussed. As mortgage brokers, we wouldn't dare charge the percentages that realtors get., because we wouldn't get any business.

I see no change

I do not see much changes. It is still up to a listing agent negotiation how both brokers will be compensated, and up to a broker agreement what will go to an individual agent. 

I have no idea how this will change, not even the same in the different mls areas here.