Why Offering Buyer’s Agent Compensation Helps Sell Faster

By Erin Catron

I am a multifaceted entrepreneur and real estate leader dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

Did you know a small detail could make or break your home sale—and most sellers miss it entirely? If you’re selling a home, one crucial strategy you don’t want to overlook is compensating the buyer’s agent. Think of it as greasing the wheels of a smooth transaction. Many sellers are unaware that skimping on this can stall their sale. Buyers typically want a seasoned Realtor to guide them through the twists and turns of real estate, but here’s the kicker: most buyers aren’t eager—or able—to foot the bill for that expertise themselves. So, what does that mean for you as a seller? Today, I’ll unpack how covering this cost can be the difference between “Sold!” and “Still on the Market.”

1. Most buyers prefer buyer representation. Did you know that 97% of homebuyers want their Realtor when purchasing a home? Buyers value having someone guide them through the process. However, many buyers face financial constraints that prevent them from covering their agent’s fees. Sellers who understand this can make their property more attractive by including buyer’s agent compensation in their home sale strategy.

2. Adjust your home price to cover compensation. If you offer compensation to a buyer’s agent, consider adjusting your home’s price slightly to cover this cost. This way, you ensure your net proceeds remain intact while making your property more attractive to potential buyers. It’s a minor tweak that could significantly impact you.

3. Mortgage limitations prevent buyers from paying agent fees. Many buyers rely on mortgages to finance their home purchases, but most lenders won’t allow buyer agent compensation to be added to closing costs. This creates a financial hurdle for buyers needing to pay these fees out of pocket. As a result, buyers often skip over homes that don’t offer compensation because they can’t afford the extra expense.

4. Buyers are already financially stretched. It’s no secret that buying a home is expensive. Buyers save for years to cover their down payment, closing costs, prepaid, and escrows. Adding the buyer’s agent compensation on top of these expenses can be overwhelming and may limit their options. Covering these fees removes one more barrier for buyers considering your property.

5. Sellers who offer buyer agent compensation attract more buyers. Almost all sellers we work with offer compensation to the buyer’s agent and build this into their home’s listing price. This strategy ensures that more buyers consider your property, regardless of their financial constraints. It’s a simple way to make sure your home gets noticed.

While compensating a buyer’s agent is technically optional, here’s the reality: it’s one of the smartest moves you can make to attract more buyers and maximize your home’s exposure. Our team uses smart strategies like this to ensure you get the best outcome from your real estate transactions. Ready to sell and want to make the most of it? Consider adding this to your game plan, and call me at (918) 396-8247.