Cost Of Real Estate Agent When Buying May 2026

For decades, the standard answer to "how much does a buyer's agent cost?" was a simple "nothing—the seller pays for it." But since , that old rule has been turned upside down by a landmark National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement .

The "Free" Myth: What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Cost a Buyer Today? cost of real estate agent when buying

If you are entering the market today, the cost of an agent is no longer hidden in the background. It is a line item you need to negotiate before you even step inside your first open house. The New Bottom Line: What You’ll Likely Pay For decades, the standard answer to "how much