Hi Deano,
Normally the seller pays the commission for an agent, there are instances when a buyer would pay their agent..that is usually if it is a for sale by owner (fsbo) home they are purchasing and the seller refuses to pay the buyer's agent commission. With mls listings your are looking at "cooperative agent" listings and the sellers have agreed to pay the commission for both agents.
Your agent will go over all of this info. with you when you start to work with them, make sure that they explain all of this to you and ask lots of questions..you want to work with someone you feel comfortable with.
If you're a 1st time homebuyer there are some programs out there where you can have your downpayment and closing costs covered. I would be happy to talk to you about this and go over all of the questions you have about buying a home. I work and live in Meridian, so have a pretty good handle on the area!
You can call me at 208-409-8892 or kristin@marketrealestate.net
Good luck! and I hope to hear from you soon!