Does using an agent add any additional costs to making a purchase? We get a lot of questions from first-time buyers, and one of the most common is this: “One of my contacts in the real estate industry told me that using their services wouldn’t set me back any money. What do you think, is that true?” This essay will debunk a widespread myth regarding property purchases and look at the question of who, in fact, is obligated to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission. But who pays the buyer’s agent?
Who is on the hook for the buyer’s agent’s commission?
The fee, which is typically between 5% and 6% of the purchase price, will be split between your agent and the agency representing the seller. Although though this fee technically belongs to the buyer, it is included into the asking price in order to account for the seller’s potential profit. Because all of the fees connected with the sale of a home are included into the asking price, and since you are the only party expected to bring cash to closing, the commission for the buyer’s agent is often regarded to be your responsibility. You owe money on the home’s value, either via a mortgage or some other kind of debt.
The Interviews
Reputable real estate experts were questioned regarding who pays the commissions for the buyer’s and seller’s agents in articles published on Realtor.com, HGTV, and The Balance. The following is what those representatives had to say about the matter:
Seller Payment and More
Both the selling agent’s and the buyer’s agent’s real estate commissions are typically paid by the seller. The technique follows this form generally. Yet she also says that “while sellers pay the fees, in most instances they incorporate them into the price of the home.” As such, you may assert that the fees are the responsibility of the customer.
Vendors usually include in the cost of the fees to be paid into the asking price of their property. Commissions on a real estate sale are typically split 50/50 between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Due to the source of the funds, it would seem that the seller is making the payment.
The buyer is always responsible for paying the fee, which is an argument that may be made and which would be correct. Why? Considering the fact that it is often already included into the asking price. If the seller hadn’t agreed to pay a commission, the purchase price may have been lower. The commission paid to your real estate agent will be the largest expense you incur throughout the purchase of a home.
Conclusion
You’ll need a down payment of at least 3% but no more than 20% of the property’s buying price; have you accounted for the cost of an agent to represent your interests? While real estate agent fees are often included into the asking price of a property, the onus of footing the bill for them ultimately rests on the buyer at the time of closing. Direct negotiations between a buyer and a seller or seller’s representative might result in a purchase price that is three percent below the asking price.