🏡 How Buyer Commission Works
When you buy a house, you usually have two agents:
- The seller’s agent → helps the seller sell the house
- Your agent (me) → helps you find the house, write the offer, and not get ripped off
Agents don’t get paid by the hour like teachers.
They get paid when the house closes, like a reward for finishing the job.
💰 How It Worked “Before”
Before, it was simple:
- The seller usually paid both agents
- The money came out of the seller’s side when the house sold
- Buyers didn’t really think about it
🔄 What Changed Recently
Now the rules say:
- The seller does NOT automatically have to pay the buyer’s agent
- That part is now something we talk about and agree on upfront
So instead of assuming how I get paid, we just explain it clearly from the start.
🤝 What That Means for You (the Buyer)
Before we go look at houses, we sign a simple agreement that says:
“This is how my agent gets paid.”
There are three common ways that can happen:
✅ Option 1: The Seller Pays (Still Very Common)
- Many sellers still agree to pay the buyer’s agent
- If that happens, you don’t pay me directly
- My payment is handled at closing
👉 This is still the most common outcome.
✅ Option 2: The Seller Pays Some, You Pay a Little
- Example: seller pays part of my fee
- You cover the small difference at closing
👉 We only do this if needed, and you’d know before making an offer.
✅ Option 3: Buyer Pays Directly
- This is less common for first-time buyers
- Usually only if a seller refuses to help at all
👉 We’d talk through this before you ever feel stuck.
🛑 Important Thing to Know
You will never be surprised at closing.
We:
- Talk about it early
- Put it in writing
- Make sure it makes sense for your budget
No last-minute “oh by the way” fees.
🧠 Why This Is Actually Good for Buyers
- You know exactly who works for you
- You know exactly how they’re paid
- You get someone whose job is to protect you, not the seller
If you are in the Phoenix area and would like a free guide on what to expect when you’re buying a home click here to get it sent to your email. You’re always welcome to send me a call or text too.
