In a landmark decision with potentially seismic implications for the real estate industry, a federal court has approved a legal settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This watershed moment could usher in a paradigm shift in the fee structures governing real estate transactions, promising to inject more flexibility and transparency into the buying and selling process while potentially reshaping the traditional role of real estate agents.

The approved settlement stems from a lawsuit closely monitored within the industry and beyond, drawing attention to its potential to disrupt long-established practices and dynamics within the real estate market. At the heart of the settlement lies a reevaluation of the traditional commission model, which could potentially redistribute billions of dollars in fees and commissions and impact the livelihoods of countless real estate professionals nationwide.

To shed light on the implications of this historic decision, CNBC recently hosted a conversation with Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, one of the nation’s leading real estate brokerages. Glenn Kelman provided insights into how his company adapts its business model in response to the shifting landscape precipitated by the settlement.

One of the most notable shifts in strategy highlighted by Glenn Kelman is Redfin’s increasing focus on selling homes directly to consumers, bypassing the traditional buyer-agent model. This strategic pivot reflects a growing demand among consumers for more transparent and cost-effective alternatives to the conventional real estate transaction process. Glenn Kelman underscored the importance of empowering consumers with choice and flexibility, echoing sentiments shared by many within the industry who see the settlement as an opportunity to recalibrate outdated practices and empower consumers with more control over their real estate transactions.

The settlement’s approval has already begun reverberating within the real estate market, with an uptick in listing demand and consumer inquiries observed in the immediate aftermath of the announcement. While the full extent of the settlement’s impact remains to be seen, industry observers anticipate that its effects will be far-reaching, reshaping the dynamics of real estate transactions and prompting a reevaluation of the traditional roles of buyers and sellers and real estate agents.

Despite the potential for disruption, some industry veterans caution that the transition to a new commission model may not be seamless and that there could be unforeseen challenges and unintended consequences. However, the prevailing sentiment among industry insiders is cautious optimism, with many viewing the settlement as a long-overdue catalyst for much-needed change within the real estate industry.

As the dust settles on this groundbreaking legal settlement, all eyes will be on how players within the real estate industry adapt to the new normal and navigate the evolving landscape of real estate transactions. With consumers poised to emerge as the ultimate beneficiaries of this transformative shift, the stage is set for a new era of innovation, transparency, and empowerment within the real estate market.