Under the new rules, how can a buyer's agent be compensated?
Audio Lesson
Duration: 3:02
Question & Answer
Review the question and all answer choices
Only by the buyer directly
Option A is incorrect because buyer agents are not limited to compensation only from the buyer. While some buyers may choose to pay their agent directly, this is not the only permissible method under current rules.
Only by the seller through listing agreement
Option B is incorrect because seller compensation can no longer come exclusively through the listing agreement. While sellers may still offer to pay buyer agents, this must be negotiated separately rather than being automatically offered through MLS.
By the buyer, seller (through negotiation), or a combination
Only through a fixed MLS cooperative compensation
Option D is incorrect because fixed MLS cooperative compensation is no longer the standard practice. The industry has moved away from requiring compensation to be offered exclusively through the MLS system.
Why is this correct?
Answer C is correct because buyer agent compensation can now come from multiple sources: directly from the buyer, negotiated separately with the seller outside of MLS, or a combination of both. This flexibility replaced the previous practice of offering compensation exclusively through the MLS.
Deep Analysis
AI-powered in-depth explanation of this concept
Understanding buyer agent compensation sources is crucial because it affects how agents structure their business, how buyers and sellers negotiate, and how the real estate marketplace functions. The question tests knowledge of recent changes in compensation practices that shifted away from MLS-offered compensation to more flexible arrangements. To arrive at the correct answer, we must recognize that buyer agency agreements can be structured in three ways: buyer pays entirely, seller negotiates separately, or they share costs. Option A is incorrect because buyer agents aren't limited to buyer-only compensation. Option B is wrong because seller compensation no longer comes exclusively through the MLS listing agreement. Option D is incorrect because fixed MLS cooperative compensation is no longer the standard. The challenge here is recognizing the shift in industry practice and understanding the flexibility now allowed in compensation structures, which connects to broader concepts of agency relationships, negotiation tactics, and evolving real estate business models.
Knowledge Background
Essential context and foundational knowledge
The shift in buyer agent compensation practices reflects broader changes in real estate business models. Historically, seller listing agreements included cooperative compensation offered through MLS to buyer agents. Recent regulatory changes and court decisions have eliminated this requirement, creating more flexibility in how buyer agents can be compensated. This change aims to increase transparency in the home buying process and potentially reduce home prices by removing what some argue is an artificial cost built into listing prices. Buyer agency agreements now clearly specify how and who will compensate the buyer's agent, with options including buyer-paid, seller-paid (negotiated separately), or shared compensation.
BSC - Buyer, Seller, Combination
Remember that buyer agent compensation can come from B (Buyer directly), S (Seller through separate negotiation), or C (Combination of both). This simple acronym covers all permissible compensation sources.
When questions ask about buyer agent compensation, remember the 'BSC' rule: Buyer direct, Seller negotiated separately, or Combination. Eliminate any option that mentions MLS as the exclusive source.
Real World Application
How this concept applies in actual real estate practice
Sarah is a first-time homebuyer working with buyer agent Michael. Michael explains his compensation options: Sarah could pay him directly through a separate agreement, the seller could pay him as part of the negotiation process, or they could share the cost. Sarah chooses to have the seller pay Michael's commission, which is negotiated separately from the listing price. This arrangement works well for Sarah, who can focus on finding the right home without additional out-of-pocket expenses, while the seller includes it in their overall negotiation strategy to make their offer more attractive to buyers like Sarah.
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