This summer’s National Association of Realtors legal settlement could change who pays real estate commissions. Colorado realtors say this could create unnecessary confusion, cause buyers to spend less money on down payments, and lead sellers to limit their buyer pool unintentionally. Previously, the seller paid commissions for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents, and property listings included the commission rates. Now, the listings don’t include commission rates, and agents must sign written agreements that detail their compensation to potential buyers before offering their services. Kerron Stokes, owner of RE/MAX Leaders, said that Colorado served as a national model before the change and offered real estate contracts that empowered buyers and sellers to negotiate in clear terms and eliminated unnecessary confusion.