Questions to ask, red flags to avoid, and how buyer agreements and commissions work after the 2024 settlement.
Reviewed and updated October 3, 2026 by Ryan and Megan Winslow, Winslow Homes
Lists of the best agent in a town are usually ads. The right agent for you is the one who knows Winter Garden, explains things plainly, and puts their fee and duties in writing.
Ryan and Megan Winslow are licensed real estate brokers in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, with 17 years in the business and more than 3,000 homes sold. Ryan and Megan are a military family. Ryan is U.S. Army retired, so they know the VA process from both sides of the table. They are also Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank. Interview them the same way you would anyone else.
Practice changes from the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement took effect August 17, 2024.
An agent who quotes a much higher price than others to win a listing, then pushes cuts later.
Fees, length or cancellation terms that are not clear in writing.
Rushing you to sign or to waive inspections without explaining the risk.
Cannot speak to flood zones, insurance or HOA issues in Winter Garden.
Slow replies during the interview usually get slower later.
Check that the license is active with the Florida DBPR.
Florida law presumes a real estate licensee is a transaction broker unless you agree in writing to another relationship, such as single agent. Ask any agent which role they will play and what duties come with it.
Ryan and Megan explain the relationship and their fee in writing before you start, and they can also handle your financing.
Interview two or three agents. Ask about recent local sales, how they price and market homes, how they communicate, and what their written agreement says about fees and term.
Since August 17, 2024, under the NAR settlement practice changes, MLS participants working with a buyer must have a written agreement before touring a home. The agreement must state the compensation, which is negotiable.
It is negotiable. A seller may still offer to pay buyer agent compensation, the buyer may pay, or it can be part of the offer. Offers of compensation can no longer be listed on the MLS.
No. Real estate commissions are negotiable. Ask any agent to explain their fee and services in writing.
Use the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license lookup to confirm the license is active.
Under Florida law, a real estate licensee is presumed to work as a transaction broker unless another relationship, such as single agent, is set in writing. A transaction broker gives limited representation to the customer.
Call or email to talk about buying or selling in Winter Garden. Buying? Get pre-approved at WinslowLoan.com first.
Ryan and Megan Winslow are licensed real estate brokers in Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island and Mortgage Bankers with The Federal Savings Bank. Ryan Winslow NMLS 2426605. Megan Winslow NMLS 2692933. Email [email protected].
Sources: NAR, facts about the settlement and written buyer agreements, Section 475.278, Florida Statutes, Florida DBPR license verification, Zillow Home Value Index, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Updated October 2026. Rules change; confirm with Ryan and Megan before you act.
