Paying Buyer’s Commission

Many of you may have heard about the NAR Settlement, which now allows sellers the option of not paying a buyer’s agent commission. The New York Times even posed that question.

But here’s the kicker: sellers always had that option. It’s just like how I didn’t technically have to shower today, but it was definitely in my best interest—and for the sake of those around me.

Here’s the deal: With thousands of Realtors in the area, not offering compensation can actually backfire on sellers. Think of it like trying to sell lemonade but refusing to advertise—it just won’t attract as many customers.

And then there’s the added chaos: top agents will likely include compensation in their offers anyway, while the less experienced ones might skip showing your house altogether. This could lead to less demand for your property, and let’s face it, nobody wants their home to be the wallflower at the real estate party. So, in the end, it’s usually in your best interest to keep that buyer’s agent commission in the mix.