Should FSBO Sellers Offer a Buyer’s Agent Commission?

Not sure whether to offer a buyer’s agent commission when selling by owner? Here’s a balanced look at both viewpoints, what’s happening post-settlement, and how to decide.

⚖️ The Case for Offering a Commission

  • Wider buyer access: Some buyers expect their agent won’t cost them out of pocket. Offering a commission can remove that concern.
  • More showings: In competitive markets, a posted commission may increase appointment volume.
  • Financing comfort: Buyers with tight cash reserves may prefer homes where their agent’s fee is covered.

Typical range: Some sellers choose a percentage (e.g., 2%–3%) or a flat amount, but it’s entirely optional for FSBO.

🚫 The Case for Not Offering a Commission

  • Keep more proceeds: If your buyer comes direct, you’re not paying a buyer-agent fee.
  • Transparency: Puts responsibility on the buyer to decide how they want to compensate their agent.
  • Negotiation leverage: You can offer a fee only if it helps close a specific deal.

Some FSBO sellers leave the field blank and negotiate case-by-case once they have an interested buyer.

🧭 What’s Really Happening Right Now

In practice, many buyer’s agents are still showing homes before discussing compensation. That means you may see strong interest even without advertising a commission upfront—but it can also create awkward conversations later if expectations aren’t aligned.

Learn what changed after the NAR settlement.

📝 Practical FSBO Options

  • Post a rate: Offer a clear percentage or flat amount in your listing to maximize certainty.
  • Leave it blank: Invite offers and address buyer-agent compensation in negotiations.
  • Direct-buyer plan: Offer $0 to agents but sweeten the deal for direct buyers (e.g., price or closing-cost help).
  • Case-by-case: Reserve the right to offer a fee only if it materially helps you close.

Tip: Whatever you choose, state it clearly and confirm in writing during offer negotiations.

🔧 How Brokerless Fits In

  • Your choice: You decide whether to advertise a buyer-agent commission—percentage, flat fee, or none.
  • Local compliance: We align your listing with your MLS’s current input rules.
  • Maximum exposure: Your property syndicates to Realtor.com, Zillow, and more.

New to flat fee MLS? See how listing with Brokerless works.

📊 How to Decide Quickly

  • Market check: Is local inventory high? If yes, consider posting a fee to stay competitive.
  • Buyer profile: First-time buyers may need the help more than move-up buyers.
  • Math it out: Compare your net proceeds with and without a buyer-agent commission.

Also weigh alternatives like seller concessions for closing-cost help instead of agent compensation.