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Do buyers agents get paid the same as the sellers agent?
Do buyers agents get paid the same amount as the sellers agent? I'm wondering if one side of the transaction gets paid less, or if I should be negotiating so that I pay a fair price. I don't want to be disrespectful, but is the payment up for negotiation?
Asked By Becky | Sunnyvale, CA | 360 views | Buying | Updated 1 year ago
Answers (5)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
In most cases, buyer’s and seller’s agents split the total commission paid by the seller at closing. The exact split can vary depending on the listing agreement — often 50/50, but sometimes slightly different. It’s all negotiated upfront in the listing contract and reflected in the MLS listing so both sides know what’s offered.
- 4 months ago
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Chris Cervantes
RE/MAX GOLD
Hi Becky,
In most California home sales, the seller sets the total commission, and it usually gets split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent — kind of like splitting a pizza, usually equally, but sometimes with a few extra toppings for one side. As a buyer, you typically don’t pay your agent directly, so there’s no need to haggle over their slice. The best focus is on finding an agent who fights for you and helps you get the best deal — the pizza tastes better when you have the right partner at the table!
In most California home sales, the seller sets the total commission, and it usually gets split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent — kind of like splitting a pizza, usually equally, but sometimes with a few extra toppings for one side. As a buyer, you typically don’t pay your agent directly, so there’s no need to haggle over their slice. The best focus is on finding an agent who fights for you and helps you get the best deal — the pizza tastes better when you have the right partner at the table!
- 4 months ago
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Raquel Penas Fernandez
RE eBroker Group
Hello Becky,
There is a new law that passed on August 13, 2024. Feel free to read my article for more info. https://coronadotimes.com/news/2024/08/11/real-estate-understanding-the-new-real-estate-commission-rules/
There is a new law that passed on August 13, 2024. Feel free to read my article for more info. https://coronadotimes.com/news/2024/08/11/real-estate-understanding-the-new-real-estate-commission-rules/
- 8 months ago
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Rachel Englehart
Main Street Realty Inc
Good Afternoon,
All commissions are completely negotiable. I am a Broker in North Carolina. As a Listing Agent I normally split the Commission offered by the seller with the agent that brings the winning Buyer Offer. Please check your state and local rules and regulations.
All commissions are completely negotiable. I am a Broker in North Carolina. As a Listing Agent I normally split the Commission offered by the seller with the agent that brings the winning Buyer Offer. Please check your state and local rules and regulations.
- 1 year ago
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Not anymore. It used to be set by the seller and then typically split, but that changed in 2024.
Seller negotiates with their listing agent for their side (you'll probably never know what the listing agent was paid), and the buyer negotiates with their buyer agent. There are details to iron out on the buy-side around if they buyer can pay cash separate from the home sale (meaning, you'd bring more cash to the closing) or if it has to be rolled up into your offer and 'paid by the seller' and the funds come out of the sellers proceeds.
As far as 'fair' goes....all the seller wants its the best possible NET sales, meaning, how much they put in their pocket after everything is said and done. So if a seller has two offers, one offer pays the buyer agent 2.5% and the other is a 3% commission, but the 3% commission offer is $45K more...if that puts more money in their pocket depsite the higher buyer commission, they'll still take the 2nd offer.
Seller negotiates with their listing agent for their side (you'll probably never know what the listing agent was paid), and the buyer negotiates with their buyer agent. There are details to iron out on the buy-side around if they buyer can pay cash separate from the home sale (meaning, you'd bring more cash to the closing) or if it has to be rolled up into your offer and 'paid by the seller' and the funds come out of the sellers proceeds.
As far as 'fair' goes....all the seller wants its the best possible NET sales, meaning, how much they put in their pocket after everything is said and done. So if a seller has two offers, one offer pays the buyer agent 2.5% and the other is a 3% commission, but the 3% commission offer is $45K more...if that puts more money in their pocket depsite the higher buyer commission, they'll still take the 2nd offer.
- 6 days ago
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