Buyer's Guide to the New Real Estate Agent Compensation Law

Scenario: Alex, a first-time homebuyer, is interested in a $450,000 property in Phoenix, Arizona.

Before the New Law: 

Alex would have contacted a real estate agent, and the agent would have begun the home search process without a formal agreement. The expectation was that the seller would pay the agent's commission.

Under the New Law:

Initial Contact: Alex contacts a real estate agent, Ben.

Buyer Representation Agreement: Before viewing any properties, Ben presents Alex with a Buyer Representation Agreement. This agreement outlines the services Ben will provide, including property search, negotiations, and contract assistance.

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What if your buyer agent wants a 3.0% Commission from the seller?

Compensation Disclosure: The agreement clearly specifies how Ben will be compensated. This could be:

• A flat fee

• An hourly rate

• A commission paid by Alex

• A commission paid by the seller (if offered)

• A combination of these options

Property Search: With the agreement signed, Ben begins the property search based on Alex's criteria.

Making an Offer: When Alex finds a property they like, Ben helps them prepare an offer. The offer might include a provision about Ben's compensation. 

This could be:

• Standard Commission: Ben accepts the standard commission offered by the seller's agent.

• Negotiated Commission: Ben proposes a lower commission rate.

• Buyer Pays Commission: Alex agrees to pay a portion or all of Ben's commission.

Key Differences:

• Upfront Clarity: Alex has a clear understanding of how Ben will be compensated before starting the home search.

• Negotiation: There's potential for more negotiation about agent compensation, which could impact the overall transaction.

• Buyer Responsibility: Alex has more responsibility for understanding the compensation structure and making informed decisions.

Additional Considerations:

• Market Conditions: The competitiveness of the Phoenix market will influence negotiation strategies for both buyers and agents.

• Agent Business Models: Agents may adapt their business models to accommodate different compensation structures.

• Consumer Education: Homebuyers need to be informed about their options and the implications of different compensation models.

This scenario highlights the increased complexity and transparency introduced by the new buyer agent law. While it may require adjustments for both buyers and agents, it ultimately aims to create a more informed and equitable real estate market.

***Scenario: Buyer Agent Compensation of 3% Paid by Seller

Buyer Representation Agreement

Alex, the buyer, enters into a Buyer Representation Agreement with Ben, their agent. The agreement clearly states that Ben's compensation will be a 3% commission paid by the seller. This means Alex will not directly pay Ben a fee.

Making an Offer

Alex finds a property they love, listed at $450,000. Ben helps Alex prepare an offer. The offer will typically include the following:

• Offer Price: $450,000

• Earnest Money: [Amount]

• Contingencies: [Home inspection, financing, appraisal, etc.]

• Closing Date: [Date]

• Possession: [Date]

• Other Terms and Conditions: [Any additional terms or requests]

• Buyer Agent Compensation: A clear statement that the buyer is represented by Ben Agent and that the buyer agent commission will be paid by the seller as outlined in the Buyer Representation Agreement.

The offer does not need to include the specific commission percentage (3%) as this is already outlined in the Buyer Representation Agreement.

Key Points

• No Price Adjustment: The offer price of $450,000 remains unchanged. The buyer agent's commission is a separate negotiation between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

• Clear Communication: The buyer's agent must clearly communicate the compensation structure to the seller's agent.

• Seller's Decision: Ultimately, it's the seller who decides whether to accept the offer with the proposed buyer agent commission.

Possible Challenges:

• Negotiation: If the seller is unwilling to pay the full 3% commission, the buyer's agent may need to negotiate a lower commission or explore other compensation options.

• Market Conditions: In a highly competitive market, the seller might have more leverage in negotiating commission terms.

• Buyer Expectations: The buyer should be aware that while they are not directly paying the agent, the seller's costs (and potentially the sale price) may be influenced by the commission structure.

By clearly outlining the buyer agent's compensation in both the buyer representation agreement and the offer, all parties involved have a better understanding of the financial terms of the transaction.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel. The authors are not real estate agents and cannot provide specific advice on individual circumstances.