Who pays my buyer's agent now?
On paper, you do — your buyer representation agreement states the fee you've agreed to. In practice, it usually doesn't mean writing a separate check at closing. Your offer can ask the seller to cover some or all of that fee as part of the deal, and many sellers agree, because saying no shrinks their buyer pool.
The difference from the old system is visibility. The amount used to ride along on the MLS where you never saw it negotiated. Now it's a deal term you control, weighed alongside price and closing date. That's more paperwork and more honesty at the same time.
The number to know is in the agreement you sign before touring — know it cold before you fall in love with a house. I'll show you how I structure it before you commit. Send me a text.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.