There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the changes to how real estate agents get paid—especially when it comes to working with buyers. If you’ve been reading headlines about lawsuits or hearing people talk about “buyer agency agreements,” you’re not alone. And if you’re a buyer wondering how all this affects you, let me break it down in plain English.
For years, the way it worked was pretty simple (at least on the surface): when a home was listed, the seller’s agent would usually offer a commission to the buyer’s agent as part of the deal. That commission came out of the seller’s proceeds, and it meant that most buyers didn’t have to think about paying their agent directly.
But things are changing.
Under new rules coming this summer, those offers of compensation from the seller’s agent to the buyer’s agent won’t be automatically included in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). What does that mean? Basically, buyer agents can’t rely on the seller to cover their pay the way they used to. Instead, buyers will need to have a clear agreement with their agent—in writing—before they start seeing homes.
Now, I know that might sound a little intimidating at first, but it’s actually a good thing. It brings more transparency into the process. As a buyer, you’ll know upfront exactly what your agent is doing for you and how they’re getting paid. It also means you get to decide how you want to structure that relationship—whether it’s a flat fee, a percentage, or built into the offer in a different way.
Some sellers may still offer to cover the buyer’s agent’s commission (either directly or through negotiation), and that’s totally legal—it just won’t be advertised in the same way. So now more than ever, you need a strong agent who knows how to navigate these conversations and advocate for you.
Here’s the part I want to emphasize: you deserve representation. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and you need someone in your corner. Someone who understands contracts, knows how to spot red flags, negotiates hard on your behalf, and helps you stay calm when emotions run high. That’s what a buyer’s agent does. And with these new rules, your relationship with your agent will be even more defined and protected.
So if you’re thinking about buying—whether you’re just browsing or ready to make a move—don’t let the rule changes scare you. We’ll sit down, talk through the options, and come up with a plan that makes sense for you. No pressure, no confusion, just a straight-up conversation about what it takes to find the right place and how we’ll get there together.
I’ve been doing this a long time, and the one thing that never changes is this: people need someone they trust when they’re making big decisions. That’s what we do at Poppy Properties. We bring the heart, the hustle, and the know-how to every deal—no matter what the rulebook says.
So if you’ve got questions (and I know you probably do), just reach out. I’m always happy to talk it through.
— Tammy