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When it comes to buying a home, you may think that hiring a realtor could cost you a boat load. You may want to think twice! There are many benefits to working with a real estate agent because they are knowledgeable in the real estate market, skilled in negotiation, and there to help you through the home purchasing process.
Along with hiring a realtor to help you purchase a home, there are also realtors that specialize in selling houses, that you can hire to help you accurately determine the value of your home, market it, and close the sale. If you’re thinking about buying a home, we encourage you to download our homebuyer guide and to read on for more details about hiring a realtor.
As of August 17, 2024, following the NAR $418 million antitrust settlement, offers of buyer-agent compensation can no longer be listed on NAR-operated MLS platforms, and this change continues to affect transactions in 2026. Buyers now generally need to negotiate compensation directly with their own agent.
In 2026, buyer-agent compensation typically ranges from 2% to 3% of the purchase price, although flat-fee and hourly arrangements are also permitted. These fees may be paid directly by the buyer at closing, requested as a seller concession in the purchase contract, or negotiated off-MLS, meaning the seller is no longer automatically obligated to pay. Post-settlement Q1 2026 data shows total commission rates have largely recovered toward 5.70%, compared with a pre-settlement baseline of about 5.80%. Commission rebates to buyers are permitted in 41 states, but they remain prohibited in Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee as of 2026.
You should feel confident while working with an agent to purchase a home because they will know how much you should be paying for a home based on its location and condition while keeping your budget in mind. Real estate agents may also know about home listings that are not yet public, so there is a chance that you could be one of the first potential buyers and possibly get a deal on the home.
Agents are also skilled in negotiation and may be able to get you a lower price for a home. For instance, if the home you are looking to purchase is appraised at a lower value than the listing price of the home your agent may be able to work with the selling agent to get you a lower price. He or she can work through a bidding war for you if you are competing with multiple buyers.
Real estate agents have a wealth of knowledge about the real estate market that they can share with you to not only help you save money, but also help you save time and frustration as well. An agent will work with you to learn about what you are looking for in a home.
Based on your wants and needs, the agent will also be doing a lot of the home searching for you and will narrow your search to options that best suit your needs, which can alleviate some of the stress from hunting down that perfect home.
They will also know the details about choosing different neighborhoods within the city you are shopping in and be able to share insights about crime rates, the quality of schools, and the demographics of the area. That way you can rest assured that you are not only finding the perfect house to fit your needs, but also the right location for your home sweet home.
In April 2026, HUD Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor stated in a “Dear Colleague” letter that real estate agents do not violate the Fair Housing Act merely by discussing neighborhood crime rates or school quality with prospective buyers or renters. HUD said prior guidance suggesting otherwise raised First Amendment concerns.
HUD’s 2026 position explains that unlawful steering requires discriminatory intent. Under the Fair Housing Act, including 24 CFR §100.70, agents may not restrict housing choices or direct clients to particular neighborhoods because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. HUD’s updated position says the issue is not sharing objective neighborhood data consistently, but steering clients based on protected characteristics. This differs from prior industry practice, where agents were often trained to redirect neighborhood safety and school-quality questions to third-party sources to avoid steering liability. HUD’s April 2026 letter challenges that approach, although NAR said it was carefully reviewing the implications. State and local fair housing laws may still impose stricter requirements, including New York State rules that prohibit inducing sales by referencing the entry of protected classes into a neighborhood and require a Housing and Anti-Discrimination Disclosure Form at first substantive contact.
Not only will a real estate agent have knowledge of the market and location, like most sales people they will have a network of professionals that they will be able to share positive references for (or not so positive) to help you through the home purchasing process.
Agents may get you in touch with lenders, home inspectors, title companies etc. that they have worked with in the past and trust for quality work and exceptional customer service.
Agents will also be able to explain each step of the homebuying process to you and answer any questions you may have. He or she may also help you by being objective in your decision to purchase a home. See our 7 Steps to Get a Home Loan Infographic.
When it comes to selling your home, you may think that working with a real estate agent could cost you a lot of money in commission and fees. Think again! Hiring a seller’s agent can really be worth it and help you save time and money.
First a selling agent has experience in the real estate market in your area so he or she will know about the relative home values and how to price your home to make sure you are getting top dollar for your house while the cost is low enough to attract buyers. A seller’s agent will also be able to manage a bidding war for you.
A selling agent will work to market your home through his or her marketing channels, whether this is through a real estate company’s website, print or digital ads, social media, or professional network.
The selling agent would also facilitate open houses or showings of your home to potential buyers. Without an agent, you would be stuck finding a buyer yourself which could take more time and a lot more energy than working with an agent.
Working with a realtor can also provide you relief because you will be walked though each step of the home selling process. Your agent is there for you to answer any questions you may have and help you with the transfer in ownership. He or she will also negotiate the home price with the buying agent to get you as much money as possible.
If you’re ready to buy your first home or your next home, make sure you find a realtor that you’re comfortable with. According to bankrate.com, here are some tips on how to find the right agent for you.
In 2026, written buyer representation agreements have become more important in several states. California AB 2992, effective January 1, 2026, requires a written buyer-broker agreement before any agent shows a property. The agreement must specify compensation, whether as a flat fee, percentage, or hourly rate, describe the services to be provided, include duration and cancellation rights, and cannot use open-ended or vague compensation terms.
Texas SB 1968, also effective January 1, 2026, requires a written buyer representation agreement before an agent performs any act of real estate brokerage for a prospective residential buyer, including showings. The agreement must state a specific, objective compensation amount and include a termination date. TREC also updated its Information About Brokerage Services form and eliminated subagency in all Texas real estate transactions. In Florida, updated MLS rules and the NAR settlement framework require MLS participants to have a written agreement in place before touring most homes with a buyer, with limited exceptions such as open houses. NAR’s 2026 Code of Ethics further clarifies that if a buyer broker is compensated by more than one party, that broker must disclose the fact to the buyer client, though the contents of the buyer-broker agreement do not have to be disclosed to sellers or their brokers. Because state rules now vary, violations can lead to disciplinary action and jeopardize an agent’s license.
One of the first steps in the home purchasing process is working with a lender to determine how much home you can afford. That way you have a budget in mind to give to your agent to begin the home search.
At Sammamish Mortgage, we have plenty of experience in the mortgage industry and a variety of mortgage programs to make your dream of homeownership come true. We have been helping borrowers in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho, and we’d love to help you too. Take a look at our competitive rates and contact us today to get started!
A real estate agent can help you understand home values, find suitable listings, negotiate offers, and guide you through each step of the homebuying process.
Yes. An agent may help you negotiate a lower purchase price, especially if the home’s condition, market value, or appraisal does not support the asking price.
Sometimes. Agents may learn about upcoming or private listings through their professional network, which can give buyers an early opportunity to view a home.
An agent can help structure a competitive offer, explain market conditions, and negotiate terms that strengthen your position while keeping your budget in mind.
An agent can narrow down listings based on your budget, location preferences, and must-have features, which can save time and reduce stress.
Yes. An agent can share local insight on neighborhoods, including school quality, general market trends, and community characteristics that may affect your decision.
A real estate agent may refer you to lenders, home inspectors, title companies, and other professionals involved in the purchase or sale of a home.
For many sellers, yes. A seller’s agent can help price the home correctly, market it effectively, manage showings, and negotiate with buyers to support a smoother sale.
A seller’s agent may promote a home through real estate websites, digital or print advertising, social media, professional networks, open houses, and private showings.
Yes. Speaking with a lender early can help you understand how much home you can afford, which gives you a realistic budget before you begin shopping with an agent.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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