My agent wants me to sign a commission agreement before listing—do i have to?

Yes, it's legal, and yes, you do need to sign a listing agreement before your agent can list your home. That's always been the case. The listing agreement is the contract that authorizes your agent to market and sell your property. Without it, they can't put it on the MLS. What's changed since the NAR settlement in 2024 is how buyer agent compensation works. You are no longer required to offer compensation to the buyer's agent through the MLS. That's the part that changed. Previously, the listing agent would input a blanket offer of compensation to the buyer's side in the MLS, and it was essentially expected. Now, that field has been removed from the MLS in most markets. That doesn't mean you can't offer buyer agent compensation. It means you don't have to, and it's no longer baked into the MLS listing as a default. Your agent is right that offering some level of buyer agent compensation can attract more showings because some buyers are still factoring their agent's fee into their purchasing decision. But the amount and whether you offer it at all is now fully negotiable and up to you. Your listing agreement should clearly spell out what you're paying your listing agent and whether you're offering anything to the buyer's side. Read every line before you sign. If your agent is pressuring you into a specific number without explaining your options, push back and ask them to walk you through the alternatives and what each approach means for your exposure and bottom line.

Yes this is legal. Homes that are not offering a buyers compensation tend to sit on the market longer and have less traction / momentum.

Yes, signing a buyer representation agreement before touring homes is now standard practice following the August 2024 NAR settlement changes, and in most cases you are required to sign one before an agent can show you property. In Hernando County and across Florida, buyer representation agreements define the scope of the relationship, the compensation structure, and the term length. You have the right to negotiate the terms before signing, including the compensation amount, the duration of the agreement, and the geographic or property-type scope. You are not locked into an agent forever, and you are not automatically obligated to pay a commission the seller is not covering. Read the agreement carefully before you sign. Confirm the term is reasonable (30 to 90 days is typical for an initial agreement), the compensation structure is clear, and there is an exit mechanism if the relationship is not working. A reputable agent will walk you through every line and welcome your questions. If an agent pressures you to sign without explanation, that tells you something about how they communicate. The agreement protects both of you, and understanding what you are signing is the right starting point. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells

You don’t have to sign it as-is. Commissions aren’t fixed anymore and you’re not required to pre-set a buyer agent fee in the listing. It’s negotiable. What your agent is saying about “exposure” has some truth. If you offer compensation to buyer agents, more agents may show your home. But that doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself into a specific number upfront. You have options: You can agree to a set amount You can offer a range or negotiate case by case Or you can choose not to offer it and handle it in the deal Just understand the tradeoff. Less or no buyer agent compensation can reduce interest in some cases. Best move is simple. Ask your agent to explain how it affects your net and flexibility. Then structure it in a way that keeps you in control. It’s your listing. You decide how it’s set up.

Do I have to sign a commission agreement before listing? Short answer: Yes, your agent can require it — but no, you are not required to offer any specific buyer‑agent compensation. These are two separate issues, and that’s where the confusion usually comes from. 📄 Why your agent is asking you to sign this Every listing agreement in 2026 must spell out: - What you’re paying your listing agent - Whether you’re offering any compensation to a buyer’s agent - How much, if any, you’re offering This is legal, and it’s part of the transparency rules that came out of the recent settlement. Your agent isn’t doing anything outdated — they’re following the new requirement that all compensation be disclosed and agreed to in writing. 💰 But do you have to offer buyer‑agent compensation? No. You are not required to offer 2.5%, 2%, 1%, or anything at all. Offering compensation is now optional and purely a marketing strategy, not a mandate. 📈 Why some agents still recommend offering something Even in 2026, offering buyer‑agent compensation can: - Increase showings - Attract buyers who can’t pay their agent out‑of‑pocket - Improve your odds of multiple offers - Help you compete with nearby listings that are offering compensation It’s not about “the old 6% model.” It’s about maximizing exposure in your specific price point and market. 🧭 Bottom line You do have to sign a listing agreement that clearly states what you’re offering. You do not have to offer any buyer‑agent compensation unless you choose to. Your agent is legally correct to ask for written terms — but the amount you offer is entirely your decision.

Everything is negotiable. At minimum, the seller is responsible for compensation its agent for professional representation and services. And, a buyer is responsible for compensating its agent. There is nothing inherently wrong (or illegal) with the seller paying 6% if that is what the seller agrees to do. "Maximum exposure" is a specific strategy, and it is valid. If I am your agent, there are two things I will make you aware of as a seller: 1) Everything is negotiable, and 2) Every buyer is going to as you as the seller to pay "something" - usually their agent's compensation in full. As such, it sounds like your agent is preparing you for the inevitable end result by pre-defining a total compensation for both your representation and the buyer's. In turn, your agent is able to market your property with that aspect already handled (and with the seller prepped in advance to expect the cost). Please keep in mind that practices in how this is communicated and handled vary widely from state to state, and even brokerage to brokerage. The key takeaways are: a) Everything is negotiable, b) Each party is responsible for compensating their professional, and c) Buyers can ask the seller to pay all or a part of their professional's compensation. Refer to A.

**Do you have to sign a commission agreement before listing your home in 2026?** Short answer: **you do have to sign a listing agreement to hire an agent, but you do *not* have to agree to any specific buyer agent compensation. That part is negotiable.** Here’s how this actually works today: --- **1. The listing agreement is required** If you want an agent to represent you and put your home on the MLS, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement. That document covers: * The listing agent’s commission * The length of the agreement * Your agent’s responsibilities No agreement = no formal representation. --- **2. Buyer agent compensation is no longer “standard”** The old “seller pays 5–6% total” model isn’t automatic anymore. You now have options: * Offer compensation to a buyer’s agent * Offer a concession that the buyer can use toward their agent * Offer nothing at all All three are legal. None are required. --- **3. Why your agent is bringing this up** When an agent says “this ensures maximum exposure,” what they really mean is: * More buyer agents may be willing to show the property * It reduces friction for buyers who don’t have cash to pay their agent out of pocket That said, it’s **not a requirement**, it’s a **strategy decision**. --- **4. What you should be thinking about instead** This isn’t about what’s “normal,” it’s about what gets you the best result: * **Price point & buyer pool** → First-time buyers often rely on seller-paid compensation * **Market conditions** → In a tight market, you may have more leverage * **Property type** → Unique or rural properties may benefit from broader agent participation --- **5. What’s happening in smaller markets like Northern NH** In areas like Northumberland and across Coos County: * Buyer pools are smaller and more spread out * Many buyers are financing and cash-constrained * Offering compensation can still meaningfully impact showing activity But again, it’s **your call**, not an obligation. --- **Bottom line:** * You must sign a listing agreement to work with an agent * You do **not** have to agree to a set buyer agent commission * Any compensation offered is fully negotiable and should be tied to your strategy, not pressure If something in the agreement doesn’t sit right, push back and ask for options. A good agent should be able to explain the pros, cons, and alternatives clearly.

Each brokerage charges the amount they charge. You as a seller is always welcome to negotiate. Just remember, you always get what you pay for. Agents put a lot of time and money into marketing and also spend their time trying to get the property sold and they have resources that sellers not discount brokerages have and there is a cost for that. If you offer buyer agency compensation, then you will have way more traffic than if you do not offer it. I work out deals with my clients, if I do not sell the property with another agent, I can discount the commission if a direct deal.

Yes, a seller needs to sign a listing contract/agreement. In the contract will certainly discuss commission for the listing side. Depending on where you are, it may also include what buyer broker compensation you will want to provide. However, the buyer broker side compensation will not show on the MLS.

Commission is and always has been negotiable. Each state has different legal paperwork and I can't speak to their documents. Your agent has a point. You do need to be prepared for the request for compensation from the buyers agent because you will most likely get one.( I personally haven't had a seller decline compensation yet in my area.) The market has changed to a buyers market in most areas. So there are more homes for sale than buyers purchasing and agent compensation could be the thing that makes or breaks your sale. I would recommend evaluating each offer on its merits and negotiate the best offer for you at that time. Let the buying public know you are open to paying compensation of some sort even if you don't disclose a set number.

Yes you do have to sign a listing agreement to hire an agent, but you do NOT have to agree to any specific buyer agent compensation. This is negotiable. However, because all agents are now required to have a buying representation agreement signed, it is highly likely that a contract may be written for the seller to pay some or all of the buyers agent fee.

Yes, you’ll need to sign a listing agreement before going live. That agreement clearly outlines what you’re paying your own agent and whether you’re offering any compensation to a buyer’s agent. You’re not required to offer buyer-agent compensation, but it’s important to understand the impact. If nothing is offered, buyers may have to pay their agent out of pocket. This can limit your buyer pool and reduce showings. In my experience in this market, not offering compensation can have a noticeable impact on activity and overall results. Bottom line: your agent is required to have everything in writing, and while compensation is negotiable, offering it is often a strategic decision to maximize exposure and attract more buyers.

Hello Koko, Commission to listing and buyer agents are negotiable. That being said, every agent has their percentage that they are willing to work for. Certain brokerages offer different levels of marketing when it comes to listings. Some of the smaller brokerages do not automatically do paid advertising of your listing, so you really want to ask the agent what he/she is going to do to market your property. Does the agent belong to more than one Multiple Listing System to market your property? Some agents just put listings in their local MLS only, and do not belong to a more national-scale MLS such as BRIGHT. The important thing that you decide in the list contract is what you will be paying your listing agent that represents you, and what amount of compensation, if any, you will be offering out to a buyer's agent. It sounds like your agent mentioning maximum exposure is saying that by offering a buyer agent compensation, you will be opening the door for more buyers to view your home because they wont have to pay their own agent and therefore are able to make you a more acceptable offer on your property because their closing costs didn't just go up by 2-3 percent of the purchase price. Hope this helps!

While the whole point of the NAR lawsuit was to emphasize commissions are negotiable (and always have been), the whole 'seller pays 6%' thing is not necessarily dead and certainly legal. It is your choice to make but as a seller you want the most eyes on your property and specifically the most qualified eyes (ie buyers). In order to ensure your property attracts the buyers that are well qualified and highly motivated (ie best offers), you will want to likewise make sure the agents working with those well qualified good buyers are compensated.

I will recommend to adk what is he doing for that percentaje, professional pictures, open houses, gas, marketing, all of that has a cost.