Agency is asking for a 3% commission from the buyer. Is this standard practice here?

real estatebuying a homefees

Inna_M

Joined:
30.01.2024
Posts: 1938

Topic Starter

01.02.2025 13:19

We finally found a place we like and put in an offer through an agency. However, the agent just sent over the paperwork and they are charging a 3% buyer's commission on top of the purchase price. I always thought the seller usually pays the commission in this market. Is this becoming standard practice now, or should we try to negotiate this fee down?

12 replies in this topic

new_here

Joined:
08.09.2023
Posts: 1677

30.03.2025 21:14

Where are you located? That makes a massive difference in whether this is normal or not.

Zina_P

Joined:
05.02.2025
Posts: 1545

02.04.2025 18:35

In reply to a previous post

Totally agree with the first reply. Location is key here.

Kras_T

Joined:
05.01.2021
Posts: 1285

14.04.2025 08:28

In our current market, buyer's agents are pushing for this because sellers are refusing to cover the full commission. It sucks, but it's becoming more common.

Zina_P

Joined:
12.08.2021
Posts: 342

15.04.2025 04:15

Wait, did you sign a buyer representation agreement with them before making the offer?

Tim_G

Joined:
11.06.2022
Posts: 120

26.04.2025 13:57

In reply to a previous post

@User4 This is the real question. If they didn't disclose this upfront, you shouldn't be locked into it.

Roman_88

Joined:
12.04.2021
Posts: 1667

10.05.2025 10:17

Definitely negotiate! Everything in real estate is negotiable, especially agent fees.

Fabi_W

Joined:
18.04.2023
Posts: 1887

07.06.2025 13:19

In reply to a previous post

We told our agent we wouldn't pay a penny over 1.5% and they accepted. Don't just roll over and pay 3%.

new_here

Joined:
26.04.2025
Posts: 1425

23.08.2025 05:21

It's a sellers' market in most good neighborhoods right now, so agents know they have the leverage.

demian_l

Joined:
02.05.2025
Posts: 2208

11.09.2025 16:46

Walk away if they won't budge. There will always be another house.

radek_c

Joined:
30.12.2020
Posts: 2007

09.11.2025 20:18

Actually, since the recent NAR settlement, this type of fee structure is going to become the norm. Get used to it folks.

Lara_N

Joined:
28.10.2020
Posts: 851

18.12.2025 15:32

In reply to a previous post

@User10 Yeah, the settlement changed everything, but agents still need to disclose it BEFORE showing properties, not at the offer stage.

questioner

Joined:
26.11.2021
Posts: 2409

15.02.2026 17:44

Check your contract carefully and talk to a real estate attorney if you aren't sure. Don't rely just on what the agent tells you.

Agency is asking for a 3% commission from the buyer. Is this standard practice here?

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