When I published The Buyer Agreement Tightrope a few days ago, I had no idea how much it would resonate.
Agents from across the country chimed in—each adding their own take on how this post-settlement reality is playing out on the ground. From seasoned pros who’ve always used buyer agreements to agents navigating wildly different market rules, one thing is clear:
This shift might look different in every market, but we’re all working toward the same goal: clarity, value, and better communication.
So instead of writing another opinion piece, I want to share your voices—the real-world feedback from agents who are living it right now.
🧩 “This Isn’t New… But the Explanation Sure Is”
Nina Hollander (Charlotte, NC) and Dorie Dillard (Austin, TX) both reminded us that buyer agreements aren’t new territory for everyone. Agents in the Carolinas and Texas have long worked under this structure.
But as Dorie noted, the difference now is:
“We need to take more time to clearly communicate all the nuances and prove our worth.”
And Nina summed up her clients’ response to the change:
“Isn’t life complicated enough? What was wrong with the old system?”
That’s the tension many of us are navigating—a system shift that makes sense to us professionally, but feels complicated to consumers.
🏙️ “Our Rules Are Totally Different—And It’s Working”
Then there’s Adam Feinberg in Manhattan, where the real estate world plays by a different set of rules. No NAR. No true MLS. But even so, REBNY (NYC’s trade group) adopted its own buyer agreement model.
Here’s what stood out:
“One of our directors recently observed that buyer’s agent commissions have surprisingly increased at our firm.”
Adam turned a potential pain point into a clear advantage—backing his services with a one-page service matrix and full transparency about what clients get at every stage.
“Now that it’s all spelled out, clients see the value—and I’m not dropping my rate unless it’s a thank-you for referrals.”
Talk about turning disruption into leverage.
💬 “Sellers Are Adjusting Too”
A recurring theme from agents everywhere: sellers are shifting their approach.
Many are:
- Offering a set listing-side fee
- Letting buyer agent comp be negotiated in the offer
- Hesitant at first, but ultimately receptive when it’s explained clearly
And the truth is, many listings that don’t offer a competitive buyer agent commission? They’re sitting. As Adam put it bluntly:
“Those listings generally aren’t selling.”
🎪 And Yes… It Feels Like a Three-Ring Circus
One agent hit the nail on the head when they described today’s landscape as a full-blown circus—tightropes, elephants, and all. And honestly? It fits.
But through the noise, a few consistent truths are cutting through:
- Agents who communicate early and clearly are winning trust
- Agents who demonstrate value before negotiating commission are seeing stronger client commitment
- And those who embrace transparency aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving
🧠 What’s Happening in Your Market?
Let’s keep this going. I’d love to hear from more of you:
- Are buyers in your market warming up to these changes—or resisting them?
- Are you seeing commission rates shift? Up, down, or more “custom” than ever before?
- What one thing has helped you get buyers or sellers on board faster?
👇 Drop your experience in the comments. Let’s keep learning from each other—because in 2025, we’re all navigating this together.
– John Sansaricq
Broker/Owner – Sancastle Realty
📧 john@sancastlerealty.com
🌐 sancastlerealty.com
Comments(3)