Confusion regarding buyer's agent commission after the recent changes

real estatebuying a homefirst time buyer

Anna_Varna

Joined:
16.11.2023
Posts: 878

Topic Starter

26.01.2025 17:16

I'm currently looking to start house hunting again after a few years, but I'm hearing so many conflicting things about how agent commissions are handled now. I know there was a major legal shift recently, but I'm genuinely unsure if I'm expected to pay my agent's fee out of pocket or if it's still being negotiated into the closing costs. Is this something that is being baked into the offer price, or am I going to need extra cash set aside specifically for this? I'd love to hear how others have handled this in their recent transactions.

16 replies in this topic

Milos_S

Joined:
01.03.2021
Posts: 2453

24.03.2025 18:05

It’s definitely a confusing time. Basically, the seller isn't automatically offering a set commission in the MLS anymore, so you have to sign a buyer representation agreement upfront that details exactly what you'll pay your agent.

Bobi_J

Joined:
18.08.2024
Posts: 1197

26.03.2025 11:59

In reply to a previous post

Exactly what the first person said. You can absolutely ask the seller to cover your agent's commission as part of your offer in the purchase contract, but it's no longer a guarantee.

lubopiten_k

Joined:
07.03.2023
Posts: 450

16.04.2025 10:37

I just closed last week and we ended up paying our agent's fee out of pocket because the seller refused to cover it. Make sure you have extra liquid cash ready just in case.

Znaesht

Joined:
06.07.2022
Posts: 986

31.05.2025 10:28

In reply to a previous post

That sounds rough. Did you try to negotiate the house price down to offset that cost?

Maks_D

Joined:
06.07.2021
Posts: 2416

17.06.2025 06:37

In reply to a previous post

Yes, we tried, but it was a multiple-offer situation so there wasn't much room for negotiation. It's a tough market right now.

Znaesht

Joined:
20.05.2025
Posts: 383

29.06.2025 08:48

I think it really depends on the local market. In my area, most sellers are still offering a commission to keep the transaction moving.

otgovor_BG

Joined:
31.10.2020
Posts: 891

03.08.2025 00:58

In reply to a previous post

I wouldn't bank on that. Don't assume the seller will pay. Always have a plan B for how you're going to pay your agent if the seller says no.

Marius_C

Joined:
17.05.2021
Posts: 431

23.08.2025 19:25

This whole change has made everything so much more complicated for first-time buyers.

Krasen_K

Joined:
06.04.2022
Posts: 2099

03.10.2025 00:54

Honestly, just talk to your agent. If they are good, they should explain exactly how they handle commissions and what they expect from you before you even see a house.

radek_sofia

Joined:
19.10.2021
Posts: 920

04.10.2025 13:28

In reply to a previous post

I agree. If an agent is hesitant to explain their fee structure clearly, run away.

Brayan_Z

Joined:
29.10.2024
Posts: 1513

10.12.2025 11:22

Don't forget that you can also negotiate the commission percentage with your agent before signing that agreement.

Simeon_W

Joined:
22.09.2021
Posts: 202

15.12.2025 08:26

In reply to a previous post

Wait, are you saying I can negotiate the fee my own agent charges me? I thought it was a fixed industry standard.

tech_geek_bg

Joined:
19.05.2024
Posts: 1877

25.12.2025 09:01

In reply to a previous post

Definitely not fixed! Everything is negotiable now. Don't be afraid to push back if you think their fee is too high for the services they're providing.