Realtors are never required to split commissions with other realtors. They must offer a reasonable commission to the other realtor(the realtor who is representing the buyer).
The listing agent is the person who is helping the seller sell the house.
All realtors are required to help all buyers with any house on the market, but some realtors only deal with
high end properties or just listings. They should then offer to find you a realtor in their office who will be willing to help you.

Hi Steve,

There is lots of confusion about agents, who they represent and how they get paid.

First of all not all real estate agents are REALTORS. A real estate agent is licensed by the state where they practice. A REALTOR is a licensed agent and is a member of the National Assn. of REALTORS and subscribe to a CODE of ETHICS, so not all agents are REALTORS.

Sellers of property while hiring an agent, sign a "listing agreement" authorizing the agent to represent them in the marketing, showing, negotiations and paperwork of the sale. So the listing agent's duty is to the Seller. Buyer's may hire their own agent by entering into a "Buyer's Brokerage agreement" with an agent.
Typically, the seller pays the compensation and that fee is divided between the "Listing Office" and "Selling Office" and in turn with the "agents" who worked with the Sellers and Buyers.

Most agents are a part of a Multiple Listing Service within a geographic area and work within that area of expertise and agree to "share" the brokerage fee between the offices and agents. Hope this briefly answers your question, Agents may be able to show you any home for sale in your market area but before engaging with an agent, ask them to explain the "agency" process and any other questions you may have. ,

Best regards,
Al Colhoun
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist
ABR- Accredited Buyers Representive
Prudential California Realty
Prudential Nevada Realty
North Lake Tahoe, Truckee

another resource for you for future reference is a real estate dictionary...see link below

:)

Hi Steve,
It is all a bit confusing isn't it?
The agent offering the house for sale is called the "Listing agent"
The agent representing the buyer on the sale is called the "Selling Agent"
Typically when a commission is offered it is split 50/50 between the listing and selling agents..but there can be circumstances which is stated in the listing where there is more commission going to one side opposed to the other. And there can be times when there are selling incentives...such as a seller offering the seller agent x amount of dollars for a quick close. Again...all spelled out the in the MLS (which is only viewed by agents)
Hope that helps ~~