When you’re buying a home, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is working with a real estate agent to guide you through the process. But how do these agents get paid, and who is responsible for covering their fees? This is where buyer agency compensation comes in. Traditionally, sellers have covered these costs, but recent changes following the NAR settlement have shifted the dynamics, making the process more transparent and completely negotiable between buyers and sellers.
The role of the buyer’s agent
The role of the buyer’s agent is to represent and advocate for the buyer throughout the home-buying process. A buyer’s agent helps clients find suitable properties, arranges showings, and provides advice on market conditions and pricing. They guide the buyer through negotiations, work with the buyer to help ensure the buyer’s interests are protected when making offers and navigating counteroffers. The buyer’s agent also assists with critical steps such as arranging inspections, reviewing contracts, and managing the closing process. Ultimately, their goal is to help the buyer secure the best deal possible while making the experience as smooth as possible.
Defining buyer agency compensation
Buyer agency compensation refers to the commission a buyer’s agent earns for representing the buyer during a real estate transaction. This payment is tied to the services provided by the agent, such as finding properties, negotiating offers, and guiding the buyer through the closing process. Following the NAR settlement, buyers must now agree to their agent’s fee before touring homes, making it a more transparent and negotiable aspect of the transaction.
How buyer’s agent compensation works at Redfin
Our fees when serving buyers vary by market, but are competitive because we know they could make the difference in your winning or losing an offer. We also offer additional savings for buyers who make a commitment to hire us after the first tour. With our Sign & Save program, if you commit to hiring your Redfin agent before the second tour, we’ll reduce our fee by 0.25%. We earn customers’ business by providing the best service and value.
Who pays the buyer’s agent commission?
While sellers have historically tended to cover the buyer’s agency commission as part of the transaction, these fees have always been negotiable—and still are. With recent changes in the real estate industry, sellers are now more aware that they can negotiate whether or not to pay the buyer’s agent fee. Buyers may be asked to contribute to or cover the commission, depending on the terms of the deal. Though it’s still common for buyers to request that sellers handle this cost, it’s no longer as automatic, making it important for both parties to discuss this fee during negotiations. Learn more about who pays the real estate commission.
Factors that influence how buyer agency compensation is handled
Several factors can influence how buyer agency compensation is handled in a real estate transaction. One of the biggest factors is the current market conditions. In a competitive seller’s market, buyers may be more willing to cover their agent’s commission to make their offer more attractive. On the other hand, in a buyer’s market, sellers may offer to pay the fee as a way to incentivize buyers. Local regulations and practices also play a significant role. In some states or regions, it’s more common for sellers to cover the buyer’s agent fees, while in others, it may be more flexible.
Additionally, the size and price of the property can impact negotiations—higher-end homes might have more room for fee negotiations than lower-priced properties. Finally, the experience and strategy of the agents involved can influence how commissions are handled. Skilled agents often have better insights into what terms are negotiable and how to structure a deal in a way that benefits their clients. Understanding these factors and working with a knowledgeable agent who is familiar with local market trends and regulations is crucial for navigating buyer agency compensation.
A final note on buyer’s agency compensation
Buyer agency compensation plays a crucial role in real estate transactions. Factors like market conditions and local regulations can influence who pays the fee, making it important for both buyers and sellers to discuss this during negotiations. Working with a knowledgeable agent ensures you navigate this process smoothly and get the best deal possible.
