Who Pays the Buyer's Agent?

This Question Keeps Coming Up and With Good Reason

Since the commission rule changes hit back in August 2024, sellers all over Pembroke Pines have been asking: “Do I still have to pay the buyer’s agent?” 

The headlines made it sound like you’re off the hook and technically, you are.

But in reality? Most deals still involve some version of seller paid buyer agent fees.

Let’s clear up what actually changed and what it means for both sides of the table.

What’s Actually Changed and What Hasn’t

Before, the seller would agree on a total commission amount with their listing agent.

Then, as part of the listing, the agent would use the MLS to offer a portion of that commission as compensation to the buyer’s agent.

That offer was built into nearly every deal and it was rarely discussed publicly.

Now, that’s no longer allowed.

Sellers and their agents can’t offer buyer agent compensation through the MLS.

That’s the rule change.

But here’s the reality:

• Sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent.

• Buyers are now responsible for paying their agent unless the seller agrees to help.

• Contributions from sellers are negotiated as part of the purchase offer just like any other term.

• If the seller won’t contribute, the buyer has to pay their agent out of pocket in addition to their down payment and closing costs.

So yes, the payment structure changed but the money didn’t disappear.

It just got moved around, and now everyone has to talk about it up front.

What Buyers Need to Know

This new setup changes things for buyers too in a big way.

Buyers are now required to sign a representation agreement before seeing homes.

That means they’re committing to work with an agent and agreeing on what that agent will be paid.

They can ask the seller to cover that fee, but they’re responsible if the seller says no.

And because they’re paying for that service, buyers are starting to look at their agent as a true advisor not just a tour guide. 

They’re interviewing agents, comparing services, asking questions.

And they should.

Honestly?

Sellers should be doing the same. 

These changes have made commissions more negotiable than ever but they’ve also raised the bar on value.

Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s smart to interview more than one agent and ask how they’re navigating this new landscape.

What I’d Tell a Friend

Here’s the bottom line: buyers pay their agent, and sellers pay theirs unless the contract says otherwise.

So don’t assume you’re done paying buyer’s agent commissions just because the MLS rules changed.

Most buyers are still asking for help with that cost and many sellers are saying yes, especially if it gets the deal done.

Real example: 

I had buyers looking at two homes on the same street, same size, similar price, both had a pool and a lake view.

One seller offered a concession to help cover buyer agent fees.

The other didn’t.

My buyers picked the first home because it lowered their closing costs by thousands. 

Not because I nudged them.

Not because they liked it more.

Simply because it made more sense financially.

That’s where we are now.

Buyers are doing the math.

Sellers are deciding when to help.

And agents?

We’re not just unlocking doors anymore.

We’re helping clients navigate a more transparent, more negotiable, more strategic market.

In this market, what you don’t know can cost you thousands.

Grab my 4 Step Selling Process.

A clear, proven framework for getting from “For Sale” to “Sold” with less stress, smarter strategy and better results.

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