Is It Possible For Sellers To Refuse To Pay A Buyer’s Agent In Atlanta

By Author: Diamond Equity Investments
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You might be asking, “I want to sell my house fast in Atlanta. Can I avoid paying the buyers’ agent?” Traditionally, these costs were set in stone, but recent changes in the industry and practices have shifted, and buyers and sellers can now negotiate who will cover the buyer’s agent fee. This evolution begs one important question: can a seller refuse to pay a buyer’s agent? Here, we will get into the implications for sellers and give guidelines on this new commission landscape.

Who Typically Pays the Real Estate Agent?

The agents’ fees of both the buyer and seller have traditionally been paid by the seller out of the proceeds of the sale. However, under current trends, the sale could permit a buyer to negotiate agent fees in advance before they take a tour of the property. While buyers can still negotiate with sellers to have them pay the fee for their agent when they write an offer, the change that occurred is that what a seller pays a buyer’s agent can now vary by transaction.

Here are two strategies sellers can look at ...
... to manage the new process of commission:

Proactive Concessions: Sellers can offer a concession for the buyer to use to pay their agent during their marketing. That means that sellers can lay down the available compensation options and communicate them to potential buyers and the latter’s agents through such solicitations for the viewing of a home.

Open-Ended Offers: Sellers can also leave the compensation open to the buyer’s best and fairest offer. Each of them can then negotiate from there, including proposals for buyer agent compensation.

Can a Seller Refuse to Pay a Buyer’s Agent?

Sellers have always had the right to determine how much they want to pay the buyer’s agent as compensation. The recent NAR settlement has put a number of sellers in a position where they know that commissions are negotiable and that they may be able to shift some or all of the buyer’s agent fees onto the buyer.

The sellers have the power to make their own decisions regarding the buy-side commission or other concessions, if any, they wish to offer along with the selling of their house. Broker commissions are not strictly fixed and are entirely negotiable.

Will Skipping the Buy-Side Commission Affect the Sale?

Not making an offer to pay a commission on the buy side can decrease the number of buyer agents. It could significantly impact those who have already agreed on a fee with an agent who needs to put the home out for their clients to view. However, proper pricing and marketing can still make it attractive enough to interested purchasers.

What Should Sellers Consider If They Decide to Pay the Buy-Side Commission?

The sellers will take the following factors into account when selecting a buy-side commission: the competitiveness of the local market, the condition of the home, and the selling price. Sellers and their agents can analyze comparable home sales in the area to determine how commission structures affected listing duration and final sale prices.

Final Thoughts

There are now more choices than ever that a seller has for controlling commissions for a buyer’s agent. If the traditional process of selling your house in Atlanta intimidates you, think about involving a trusted cash home buyer, such as Diamond Equity, to get your money. We buy houses in Atlanta as-is and can close in a week. We take care of every detail, from pulling the title to arranging closing time and helping you find your next home.

Author Bio:

The author is a premium cash home buyer in Atlanta. He has offices in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Chicago, making him among the largest direct home-buying organizations in the United States. They buy, renovate, and sell homes to people who make them their own, encouraging homeownership. They purchase apartment buildings, condominium complexes, and houses.Visit: https://diamondequity.com/ for more details.