Short answerYour written buyer agreement sets what your agent is paid, and the amount is negotiable. A seller may offer to cover some or all of it, or you can ask for it in your offer. If the seller does not, you may owe it under your agreement. Some loan programs limit what a seller can pay, so ask your lender.
Who pays?
It depends on the deal. Sellers can choose to offer compensation or a credit. Your offer can ask for it. Your agreement says what happens if the seller pays less than your agent's fee.
Loan programs
Lenders apply limits on seller concessions, and how buyer agent compensation is treated can depend on the loan type. VA in particular has its own rules. Ask your lender early.
The seller's view: do sellers have to pay the buyer's agent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I negotiate my agent's fee?
Yes, before you sign the agreement.
What if the seller offers nothing?
You can ask in your offer, or pay under your agreement. Talk through options before you tour.
Keep reading
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.