Buyer Wants an Agent -- But I Found Them

Richard Montgomery on Jun 17, 2025

Reader Question: I'm selling my home without an agent. The buyer now wants to bring in their agent to help them. We've already agreed on the price. This is my first home sale -- what are my options here?

Monty's Answer: You're in a situation more FSBO sellers find themselves in today -- you've done the hard part by attracting a buyer and agreeing on a price. Now, someone else wants to step into the deal and possibly take a commission from your side of the table. It is unclear whether the buyer or an agent initiated the idea.

This request reveals something deeper: Real estate agency law remains broken despite decades of reforms. The system presumes agents are fiduciaries -- but every type of agency relationship in real estate has proven flawed in practice. The consumer cannot depend on true loyalty or transparency. Many consumers believe their agent is working solely for them, but that's often not the case. Commissions are so large, and agents have so few transactions, that the incentive to put their interest ahead of yours is great. In 2015, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) commissioned an outside firm to ask real estate agents about their biggest future fears. The results of "The Danger Report" showed that over 7800 agents responded by stating that "a large number of part-time, untrained, unethical, and/or incompetent agents ... threatens the credibility of the industry."

Here are four options available to you, along with their pros, cons and some context you won't hear from most industry insiders:

No. 1: Agree to Pay the Buyer Agent's Commission -- You could allow the buyer to use their agent and agree to pay a negotiated commission -- usually 2.5% to 3%.

Pros: The buyer feels supported, and the transaction may proceed more smoothly.

Cons: You pay someone who didn't bring you the buyer, didn't negotiate the sale, and may contribute little beyond shuffling paperwork. The agent is incentivized to close the transaction -- not to ensure it's fair.

No. 2: Ask the Buyer to Pay Their Agent Directly -- Let the buyer use an agent -- but make it clear you won't pay their fee.

Pros: You preserve your full sale proceeds.

Cons: Some buyers may walk, especially if their agent discourages the deal due to a lack of compensation. Still, if the buyer wants representation, they can pay for it.

No. 3: Offer a Flat Fee or Partial Contribution -- Propose a compromise: a fixed contribution toward the agent's commission (e.g., $1,000 to $3,000).

No. 4: Use a Transaction Coordinator or Real Estate Attorney -- Suggest hiring a neutral third party jointly to facilitate the paperwork and closing.

Pros: It is much lower cost than agent commission (typically $300 to $1,500) and often faster and more transparent.

Cons: The buyer might be hesitant if they don't understand how this works -- but many FSBOs close this way successfully.

Final Thought

While your question concerns real estate and the asymmetry it represents, this same dilemma exists in virtually every service industry: auto mechanics, auto dealers, insurance brokers and agents, physicians, dentists, and many more. Due diligence and caution are key.

Hold your ground, consider a compromise, and always document everything in writing.

Richard Montgomery is a nationally syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur, and the founder of DearMonty.com. He provides consumers with free options to pressing real estate issues. Find him on Twitter(X) @dearmonty or DearMonty.com.

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