A quick, straight answer to a question buyers and sellers ask me often.
What changed and what it means for you
The headline change is transparency. You and your agent now agree, in writing and up front, on how your agent is compensated and how much. Sellers can still offer to cover buyer-agent compensation, and many do, but it is negotiated openly rather than assumed. When you write an offer, buyer-agent compensation can be part of the negotiation — for example, asking the seller to contribute. The key is that you understand your buyer-broker agreement before you sign it, so there are no surprises about who pays what.
We break down the agreement itself in our guide to the Ventura County buyer-agency agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do buyers now have to pay their agent out of pocket?
Not necessarily. Compensation is negotiable. Sellers can still offer to pay the buyer's agent, and in many deals they contribute. The difference is that it is now explicitly negotiated and documented in your buyer-broker agreement rather than assumed.
Do I have to sign a buyer-broker agreement?
Under the current rules, you generally need a written buyer-broker agreement before your agent tours homes with you. It defines the services, the compensation, and the term, so review it carefully and ask questions.
Can I still ask the seller to cover my agent's fee?
Yes. You can negotiate for the seller to contribute to your agent's compensation as part of your offer. Whether the seller agrees depends on the deal, but it is a legitimate, common point of negotiation.
