A Buyer’s Guide to Navigating the Updated Process with Confidence

If you're planning to buy your first home in 2025 or beyond, you may have heard that some things are changing in the real estate world—particularly around how buyer agents get paid.

There’s a lot of noise and misinformation out there, so I want to make sure you understand exactly what’s changing, what it means for you, and how we’ll move through the process together, step by step.

This guide is here to help you feel confident and informed—not confused or overwhelmed.

What’s Changing?

In the past, when you worked with a buyer’s agent (like me), the seller usually paid my commission through the listing agreement. You didn't need to think about it—it was just part of the deal.

Now, due to recent changes in real estate industry regulations and a settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer representation is no longer automatically bundled into the sale. Instead:

• Sellers are not required to offer compensation to buyer agents

• Buyers may now be responsible for discussing and agreeing to how their agent is paid before touring homes or making offers

What Does This Mean for You as a Buyer?

Let’s be clear: you still have the right to full representation—and in a market like DFW, that’s more important than ever.

But going forward, we'll need to:

• Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement before we start viewing homes

• Discuss how compensation will work in advance, so there are no surprises later

• Review how sellers are (or aren’t) offering compensation on specific listings

• Decide together how to proceed if a seller does not offer a buyer-side commission

In many cases, sellers will still offer to cover the buyer agent’s fee—but it’s no longer assumed, and we’ll verify that each time.

How Will My Agent Get Paid?

Here are the 3 most common ways buyer agent commissions will now be handled:

1. Seller-Paid Commission (Still Common)
   Some sellers still offer compensation to the buyer’s agent to help attract buyers. When this is the case, you pay nothing out of pocket, just like before.

2. Buyer-Paid Commission (If Not Offered by Seller)
   If a seller doesn’t offer buyer agent compensation, we’ll review your options. In many cases, this cost can be negotiated into the offer or credited back through closing costs, so you’re not paying out of pocket.

3. Flat Fee or Pre-Negotiated Agreement
   Some buyers choose to structure a flat fee or percentage-based commission with their agent. This will be clearly outlined in our agreement and adjusted based on the home, the offer, and the market.

We’ll always choose the option that protects your budget and keeps the process smooth.

Why Buyer Representation Still Matters

Some buyers wonder, “If I have to think about the cost now, do I even need an agent?”

Here’s the reality: you absolutely do.

As your agent, I help you:

• Understand the local market, pricing, and property values

• Schedule showings and handle access to homes

• Review disclosures, contracts, and inspection reports

• Negotiate price, terms, repairs, and credits

• Coordinate with your lender, title company, and inspectors

• Avoid legal risks and make confident, informed decisions

Trying to navigate one of the biggest purchases of your life without guidance is risky—especially when the seller already has a listing agent working in their best interest.

How We’ll Work Together

From day one, I’ll be fully transparent about how I’m compensated, what your options are, and how we’ll structure everything to protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

We’ll begin with:

• A short consultation to understand your goals

• A signed buyer representation agreement (required under the new rules)

• A review of the homes and areas you’re interested in

• A strategy to navigate compensation, offers, and negotiations

You’ll never be left guessing or forced into a situation you’re not comfortable with.

Final Thoughts

The rules may be changing, but the goal remains the same: getting you into the right home, on your terms, with expert support every step of the way.

Whether this is your first home, your forever home, or your next investment—I’ll help you navigate the new process with ease, clarity, and full confidence.

Let’s talk through your goals and start your journey the right way.

—

Gustavo Ramos
Realtor – Keller Williams Dallas Metro North
(817) 876-3390
gustavoramos@kw.com
gustavoramos.kw.com