Who pays my buyer's agent now?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
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.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
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Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
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.
The next department over
What people in this spot usually ask next.
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From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.