Real Estate Buyer Agent Compensation
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Real Estate Buyer Agent Compensation

Posted on September 15, 2025

Authored by Jonathan Hammer Levy

We recently conducted a survey of real estate professionals to better understand the shifting dynamics surrounding Buyer-Broker Agreements—specifically how buyers are responding to conversations about agent compensation. What we uncovered was both fascinating and telling. Buyer’s agents are not only adapting but actively experimenting with how to present these agreements. On one hand, they’re tasked with introducing the requirement itself. On the other, they must also navigate how best to disclose compensation—whether as a percentage of the selling price or a flat-fee dollar amount. As of this writing, 1,029 real estate professionals weighed in on the topic. While the prevailing sentiment leans toward using a percentage of the selling price, the survey results revealed a surprising twist: a full 38% of respondents prefer the simplicity of a flat-dollar fee over a percentage. This growing divide suggests a new trend is emerging—one that could reshape how agents frame compensation in the years ahead. So, here’s the big question: What do you think works best—percentage-based compensation, or a flat fee?