Who’s Paying the Buyer Agent Commission? Navigating Changes in the Real Estate Market
September 19, 2025
7 minutes
In the traditional real estate market, one of the most common questions among homebuyers is, “Who pays the realtor commission?”
Historically, the responsibility for these fees has fallen on the seller, but recent developments in the industry, particularly following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit, have started to reshape this long-standing practice. For those navigating the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, understanding these changes is crucial - especially for buyers seeking innovative, AI-powered solutions like reAlpha.
Traditional Commission Structure
In the conventional real estate model, the seller typically pays the realtor commission, which is calculated as a percentage of the home’s sale price. This commission is then split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. For example, on a $200,000 home with a 6% commission, the total fee would be $12,000, divided between the two agents. This structure, while common, has always embedded the commission costs into the overall transaction, often obscuring the true expense from both buyers and sellers.
Impact of the NAR Settlement
The recent NAR settlement has prompted significant shifts in how commissions are handled, bringing greater transparency to the process and changing the dynamics of who pays what in a real estate transaction.
Decoupling of Commissions
A key outcome of the lawsuit is the decoupling of commissions. Under the new guidelines, sellers’ agents are no longer obligated to offer a commission to buyers’ agents. This change is designed to reduce the overall cost burden on sellers and introduce more clarity for buyers who now must navigate the possibility of paying their agents directly.
Negotiable Commissions
With commissions becoming more negotiable, buyers and sellers have greater flexibility to determine the terms that best suit their financial needs. Buyers might now find themselves responsible for negotiating and paying their agent’s fee, creating a more competitive environment where both parties can seek out the most favorable terms.
Impact on Home Prices
Traditionally, sellers have factored commission costs into the listing price of a home, indirectly passing this expense onto the buyer. With the new rules, a more direct payment structure is emerging, which could influence home sale prices. Buyers may find that they have more power in negotiating lower prices, given that the commission fees are no longer bundled into the sale price.
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reAlpha’s Innovative Approach
As the real estate market adapts to these changes, reAlpha is leading the charge with an AI-driven, expert-supported model. Powered by AI, reAlpha’s platform, Claire, eliminates the need for traditional commission fees, offering a transparent and cost-effective alternative for homebuyers.
reAlpha’s model is straightforward: buyers can navigate the homebuying process without worrying about commission fees. Claire, the AI-driven platform, provides buyers with comprehensive assistance throughout their journey, ensuring they get the best deal without hidden costs.
Benefits of Using reAlpha
In a market where commission structures are becoming increasingly complex and negotiable, reAlpha offers simplicity and savings. By removing commission fees from the equation, reAlpha not only reduces costs but also aligns with the recent industry changes, making it a forward-looking choice for modern homebuyers.
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Conclusion
The real estate market is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in how realtor commissions are structured and paid. With the decoupling of commissions and the increasing negotiability of these fees, both buyers and sellers are navigating new territory. reAlpha’s innovative, AI-powered approach offers a compelling solution with cashback for homebuyers. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing technology-driven alternatives like reAlpha can provide buyers with the transparency, savings, and ease they need in their homebuying journey.
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As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, innovative platforms like reAlpha are leading the way in revolutionizing the homebuying process. By leveraging AI technology and eliminating traditional commission fees, reAlpha offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution for today's savvy homebuyers.
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Article by
As a great communicator with excellent negotiation skills, I focus more on establishing unbreakable ties between my clients, as opposed to just helping them achieve their real estate dreams. As a representative of both buyers and sellers, I understand how to lead a transaction process to ensure that the needs of both are met. My track record speaks for itself. Since I ventured into the industry in 2013 as a realtor, I have not only helped many buyers land perfect homes, but I have also assisted tons of owners and investors build wealth.