When You Buy A House Who Pays The Realtor May 2026

Through negotiation, a seller might agree to pay a portion of the fee, leaving the buyer to cover the rest. Key Takeaways for 2026

negotiate a fee with their buyer’s agent and sign a mandatory written agreement before even touring a home. Who Actually Cuts the Check? when you buy a house who pays the realtor

Technically, are now responsible for negotiating and paying their own agents’ fees. Sellers negotiate a fee with their listing agent. Through negotiation, a seller might agree to pay

If a seller refuses to pay, the buyer must pay their agent directly at closing. This is added to their "cash-to-close" alongside the down payment. Technically, are now responsible for negotiating and paying

How are the NAR's new real estate rules affecting buyers and sellers?

While the buyer is now responsible for their agent's fee, the money often still comes from the transaction itself. Here are the three most common ways this is handled:

Many sellers continue to offer to cover the buyer’s agent fee to keep their home competitive. They simply cannot advertise this offer on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) anymore.