What sellers should expect, how to negotiate fairly, and what risks to avoid (post-2024 rules)

After the August 2024 rule changes, buyer and seller agent commissions must now be negotiated separately. But in practice, many buyers still ask sellers to cover the buyer-agent commission as part of their offer.

If you’re selling your home and a buyer asks you to pay their agent’s fee, you’re not alone. This guide explains why buyers make this request, what’s typical now, how to negotiate it, and how to protect your bottom line without risking the deal.

(Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.)

Why Buyers Still Ask Sellers to Pay Their Agent Commission

Even though commissions are now unbundled, buyers often still ask sellers to pay the buyer-agent fee because:

1. Their agent agreement requires it

Most buyers sign a “buyer representation agreement” that obligates them to pay their agent unless the seller contributes.

2. Buyers may not have the cash

Even strong buyers may struggle to pay a 2–3% commission upfront on top of down payment, inspections, and closing costs.

3. Loans generally can’t finance buyer-agent commission

Mortgage rules have not adapted yet, so most loans don’t allow buyers to roll a buyer-agent fee into the mortgage.

4. It feels “normal” because that’s how it worked for decades

The industry operated one way for so long that many buyers still expect sellers to cover the commission cost.

Are Sellers Required to Pay the Buyer’s Agent?

No. Sellers are not required to pay buyer-agent commissions. Compensation must now be chosen, not assumed.

What most sellers are seeing (2024–2025):

• Many offers still ask for 1.5%–3% toward buyer-agent fees.
• In competitive markets, sellers often push back or offer less.
• In slower markets, sellers may agree to a contribution to keep the deal alive.

Bottom line: It’s a negotiable item now—not an automatic one.

How to Respond When a Buyer Asks You to Pay Their Agent’s Commission

Here are practical, seller-friendly strategies that protect your net proceeds while keeping negotiations alive.

1. Agree if the numbers still work

If the offer price supports your goals, some sellers choose to cover part or all of the buyer-agent fee.

Example response:
“We’re open to contributing toward buyer-agent compensation if the final purchase price reflects the total terms.”

2. Counter with a lower contribution

You can offer less than what the buyer requested. This is extremely common now.

Example response:
“We can contribute 1% toward your agent’s fee. Let’s adjust the offer accordingly.”

3. Trade commission for price

If the buyer needs help covering their agent fee, you can adjust the purchase price instead of paying the commission directly.

Example response:
“Instead of a commission contribution, we can adjust the purchase price to help with your overall costs.”

4. Decline politely — and keep the door open

If you don’t want to pay for the buyer’s agent, you can decline without shutting down negotiations.

Example response:
“We prefer not to contribute to buyer-agent compensation. Please let us know if you’d like to resubmit your offer without that condition.”

5. Split the difference

A 50/50 split is often a deal-saver.

Example response:
“We can split the buyer-agent commission. Would you be open to a revised offer reflecting that?”

The Risks of Countering an Offer Based Only on Commission

1. Losing a strong buyer

Many buyers simply cannot pay their agent’s fee upfront, even if financially qualified.

2. Reducing your offer pool

Some buyers may avoid homes where sellers refuse any contribution toward buyer-agent commission.

3. Emotional decisions can cost real money

Sometimes a small concession protects your timeline and net better than restarting the listing clock.

4. Price reductions often cost more

If your home sits, you may eventually reduce the price—often by more than the commission you declined.

How to Decide What’s Right for You

1. Look at your net proceeds

Compare different scenarios using a simple net sheet.

2. Consider your timeline

If speed matters, flexibility helps.

3. Assess your market

• Hot market: You have more leverage.
• Slow market: Buyers may need more help.

4. Compare alternatives

Sometimes adjusting price or closing costs works better than paying a commission outright.

How Falaya Helps You Navigate These New Requests

Falaya is built for today’s real estate landscape—where efficiency, transparency, and control matter most.

• MLS exposure without paying a 3% listing commission
• Tools that show your true net proceeds across multiple offer scenarios
• Support from real humans to help you review offers and negotiate smarter
• Modern tools that give you more control—not more confusion

You’re not negotiating alone—Falaya supports you from listing to closing.

FAQ

1. Can a buyer legally ask a seller to pay their agent’s commission?

Yes. Buyers can request it in an offer. Sellers can accept, counter, or decline.

2. What if I refuse to pay the buyer’s agent?

The buyer may revise the offer, negotiate a different solution, or walk away.

3. What’s a typical buyer-agent fee now?

Many buyer agents charge between 1.5% and 3%, but it varies by agreement and market.

4. Should I offer buyer-agent compensation upfront?

Most sellers no longer advertise compensation upfront. They negotiate it when the offer comes in.

5. Does offering buyer-agent compensation help with showings?

In some areas, yes—buyers with limited cash may prefer listings where sellers contribute.

6. Can Falaya help with negotiations?

Yes. Falaya provides offer-to-close support to help you understand your net and negotiate confidently.

Conclusion

Navigating buyer-agent commission requests is one of the biggest changes sellers face after the 2024 rule updates—but it doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. Once you understand why buyers make the request, what’s typical today, and how to negotiate on your terms, you gain the confidence to protect your bottom line without risking the deal. Whether you contribute, counter, adjust price, or decline, the key is evaluating the full offer—not just one line item. And with Falaya by your side from listing to closing, you get the tools and support to make the best decision for your sale.

Ready to sell with more control and fewer fees? Start your listing with Falaya in minutes.