Who pays the buyer agent in Florida now?
Before August 2024, Florida listings advertised what they would pay the buyer's agent right on the MLS. That is gone. Now the arrangement is set in a written buyer agreement before you tour homes.
Who pays
Three possibilities on any given deal:
- The seller agrees, in your offer, to pay your agent's fee as a concession. This is still common.
- The seller pays part, and you pay the rest.
- You pay your agent directly at closing.
How it affects the rebate
Your rebate is a share of what your agent's brokerage actually receives. If the seller covers the full fee, you get your full share as a closing credit. If the seller covers less, your share is smaller. If you are paying your agent yourself, the rebate works as a discount on what you pay.
What to ask before every offer
How much is the seller likely to cover, based on what similar listings have offered recently? What will my rebate be in each case? A good agent answers both in one sentence.