Do You Still Have to Pay a Buyer’s Agent Commission?

One of the most common questions home sellers ask today is simple. Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent commission? For many years, sellers were told the standard commission was around 6%, with half going to the listing agent and half going to the buyer’s agent. That used to be the normal approach, but that is no longer the case. Today, commissions are negotiable, and sellers have more control than ever.

Commissions Are Negotiable
First, it’s important to understand that commissions are not fixed. You should be able to negotiate with any agent you meet. Some agents still present a standard fee, but that does not mean you have to accept it.
We believe in giving sellers options. That’s why we offer a commission menu that starts at 0% and goes up from there. You can choose the level that fits your goals, your situation, and the type of marketing you want. The amount you pay should match the service you choose.

Do You Have to Pay the Buyer’s Agent?
The short answer is no. You are not required to pay the buyer’s agent commission.
Most buyers now have an agreement with their own agent that explains how that agent will be paid. When an offer comes in, the buyer or their agent may request compensation in the contract. That amount is fully negotiable. You can accept it, reject it, or counter it.

Looking at the Bigger Picture
Sometimes it makes sense to look at the full deal instead of focusing only on the commission.
For example, let’s say your goal is to net $600,000 from the sale. A buyer may ask you to pay a 3% buyer agent commission, which would be $18,000. Instead of losing money, the offer could simply be written at $618,000.
In that case, the buyer can often finance the difference through their mortgage. Over time, the extra cost is spread out in their payment, while you still reach your net goal. This keeps more buyers in the pool without hurting your bottom line.

What If the Buyer Has No Agent?
Not every buyer works with a realtor. If a buyer comes directly and no buyer’s agent is involved, then there may be no buyer agent commission at all.
With a flexible commission structure, you only pay for the parts of the transaction that actually apply.

Everything Is Flexible
Even when a buyer has an agent, the amount is still negotiable. It could be 3%, 2%, 1%, or any number both sides agree on. If the agent wants more than what you are willing to pay, the buyer and their agent can decide how to handle the difference. That decision does not have to fall on you.

More Choice Means More Savings
Because commissions are no longer locked into a standard structure, sellers have more control. With the right strategy, it’s possible to keep more money from the sale while still attracting strong buyers. The key is understanding your options and choosing the approach that fits your goals.

Have Questions About Commission?
There is still a lot of confusion about how commissions work today. When we meet with sellers, we go over everything in detail so you can make a clear decision with full transparency. You should always have the ability to choose what you want to pay.

Visit www.davefriedmanteam.com, click the links below, or call (843) 972-3833 to learn more.