How Much Do You Pay A Realtor When Buying Apr 2026

As of 2026, you generally pay a buyer's agent commission ranging from of the home's purchase price . While historically the seller covered this fee, recent legal changes (the NAR settlement ) mean you are now directly responsible for negotiating and potentially paying your agent's fee yourself. Who Actually Pays?

You can technically "finance" the fee by offering a higher purchase price in exchange for a seller credit that covers your agent’s commission. Key Cost Benchmarks (2026) how much do you pay a realtor when buying

There are now three primary ways your realtor gets paid at closing: As of 2026, you generally pay a buyer's

You can negotiate for the seller to cover your agent's fee as a "concession" in your purchase offer. This remains common as it helps attract buyers who may not have extra cash for fees. You can technically "finance" the fee by offering