Who pays the buying real estate agent? The buyer or seller?

Thayes07
Home Buyer
Florissant, MO

I am a first-time homebuyer. I am confused on whether I need to pay the buying real estate agent. Or does the seller pay the real estate agent through the commission? Please help with this matter. Thanks!

Answers (5)
Lynn911.com Dal...
Agent
Dallas, TX

All agents based on listing agreement is paid at closing via seller proceeds from sale of property.

Buyers does not have to pay in most instances however depends on buyers agent contract.

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Sun Sep 13 2009, 10:52
Bill Eckler-Flo...
Agent
Venice, FL

As a buyer this aspect is something you will not have to worry about....Standard procedure is the fee for professional services is derived from the seller at the time of closing.

Happy house hunting.

The Eckler Team

Fri Sep 11 2009, 03:56
Wendy Pomeroy
Agent
Plymouth, MA

Although the "cost" of the commission for both buyer and seller's agent comes from proceeds of sale--- "sales price" ---in essence both parties contrubute to this commission. Without the buyer there would be no fee paid to any agent.
Even thought the buyer does not reach into their pocket to pay a realtor's commission, the commission does effect the seller's "bottom line"
On paper the "cash comes from the seller" but in reality both seller and buyer make that commission possible.
Realtors cannot work for free---they have families and expenses just like everyone else, and although to some the commission seem a lot of money, once it is divided between seller and buyer agents with the respective offices receiving a portion....no one is "overpaid"
Realtors work hard for both the buyer and seller to make and keep the contract, explaining details along the way. Find a realtor you are comfortable with and remain loyal---they will serve you well!

Wed Sep 9 2009, 18:05
Patrick Thies
Agent
Elmhurst, IL

The seller pays the commission to the buyers agent. Here's how it works. The seller lists their home with a selling agent and agrees to pay that agent a certain commission. That agent then lists the home and agrees to pay any buyers agent that brings them a buyer a certain commission. The fees paid will come out of the sellers proceeds from the sale of their home.

Wed Sep 9 2009, 17:50
Bob Wuest
Agent
Cincinnati, OH
FIRST ANSWER

The seller pays the listing broker, then the listing broker splits it with the buyer's broker.

You as a buyer should never have to pay a commission.

Having said that - once you find a Realtor you trust, stick with that Realtor until and unless you either buy a home, or the Realtor loses your trust. He/she isn't paid if you call on whoever's name is on a "For Sale" sign.

Good luck, and GET GOING! You should have a home under contract by 10/1 if you expect to qualify for the $8K tax credit!

Wed Sep 9 2009, 17:49

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