Some sources say future Birmingham homebuyers could save thousands as the result of a recent settlement made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But local realtors question whether the settlement could actually make the early stages of purchasing a home more difficult, especially for middle class shoppers.

“The current system was set up to help buyers and sellers. And so my question is, are home prices going to be cheaper now?” said Birmingham realtor Marshall Malone. “I just don’t see that happening, especially right now when there’s so little inventory. Buyers have a hard job ahead of them.”