Who Pays the Buyer Agent in 2026
Before the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement, it was routine for the seller to pay the buyer agent’s commission out of the sale proceeds. The settlement changed the norms around how buyer-agent fees are advertised and negotiated.
In practice today, the buyer often pays their agent — frequently through a concession written into the purchase offer, where the seller contributes a set amount toward the buyer’s agent fee. The exact mechanics vary by state, brokerage, and the negotiated contract.
For a seller, this means the "who pays" question is no longer a fixed rule. The commission you agree to, and any concession you offer, should be spelled out in writing. Treat the rates on this site as examples and verify the current norm with a local agent.