Do You Have to Pay a Realtor When Buying a House?

It’s one of the most common questions homebuyers ask, especially in today’s evolving market: Do I need to pay a realtor when I’m the buyer?

The short answer: Sometimes. But not always.

Let’s break down how buyer’s agent fees work, how recent industry changes affect you, and how you can potentially save thousands without sacrificing expert support.

How It Traditionally Worked

For decades, real estate commissions followed a standard model: the seller paid both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, typically splitting a 5% to 6% commission between them.

That meant most buyers didn’t pay their agent directly but the cost was still baked into the transaction. In other words, buyers indirectly covered that fee because the home’s sale price included enough room to account for commission payouts.

What changed in 2025

Following a major settlement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the industry is shifting. Buyers must now sign a written agreement with their agent BEFORE touring homes, clarifying how much the agent will be paid, and by whom.

This change brings greater transparency. It also means:

• Some buyers may pay their agent directly
• Some may negotiate a rebate or credit from the seller
• Others may opt for flat-fee or reduced-commission services

Bottom line: agent fees are now more flexible, but also more visible.

What Are Your Options as a Buyer?

If you want full-service representation, you generally have three paths:

1. Traditional Commission-Based Agent
   You agree to a 2.5% to 3% commission that’s either paid by the seller or built into your offer. You may pay nothing upfront, but the fee can impact your purchase power or offer competitiveness.
2. Self-Representation
   You act as your own agent: managing the home search, offering writing, negotiations, and legal documents yourself. This eliminates commission fees but carries risk unless you’re highly experienced.
3. Flat-Fee Representation (Like TurboHome)
   You pay a set fee typically about 80% lower than a percentage-based commission only if you close, and you get to keep most of the commission for yourself (So if the commission is $30,000, TurboHome charges the flat fee, and you keep the rest). You still get expert support and full service, but with cost certainty and greater control.

How TurboHome Works

TurboHome is a modern alternative to traditional buyer representation. Instead of charging 2.5% to 3% of your home’s price, we offer a flat-fee model.

This fee is paid only if you close, and can be covered out of pocket or negotiated into the transaction.

Our agents are salaried (not commission-based), which means their only incentive is helping you buy the right home at the right price.

Final Thought

You don’t always have to pay a realtor when buying a house but you do need to know how compensation works and what you’re getting in return.

With TurboHome, you get transparent pricing, expert service, and savings that put you in control of the process.

Have questions about how agent fees work or how to structure your offer? Start the conversation at TurboHome.com.

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