Obligated to Pay Buyer's Agent?

**gringgo** · 12-15-2007, 05:54 PM

I'm an FSBO and paid a flat fee to list on the MLS. I am offering a 3% commission to the buyer's agent. If I show my house to a buyer w/o a buyer's agent am I obligated to pay a commission if the buyer comes back with an agent to present an offer?

Thanks,

John in AZ

**Codythebest** · 12-15-2007, 06:00 PM

It should be in your agreement and explained to you at that time.
At the first time, you should have said to your potential buyer that since (s)he's not represented by an agent, it goes the abc way. But now that an agent is involved, it will be the xyz way, the 3% commission way unfortunately.
Double check your agreement though.
Flat fee are sometimes tricky because not all scenarios are explained...

**Greg** · 12-16-2007, 06:13 AM

Showing the house is the easiest part of selling a house. If a buyer's agent wrote the offer then you probably owe the commission.

**FastFreeOffer.com** · 12-16-2007, 07:03 AM

Just tell the buyer to add their agent's commission onto their offer. If they want representation then they should pay for it.

**Malok** · 12-16-2007, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by FastFreeOffer.com

Just tell the buyer to add their agent's commission onto their offer. If they want representation then they should pay for it.

FSBO or not - they are still bound by the agreement that they signed to be put on the MLS. You are not able to dispense legal recourse without being privy to the agreement.

Read the Agreement.

In our area, our agreement would most likely require you to pay.

**Sparks** · 12-18-2007, 09:55 PM

Last I heard buyers were a little scarce in AZ. The buyers most likely want representation and if it were me buying from you I would too.

Trying to cut corners before you even have a deal. You offered it, the agent brought the offer and if you accept the offer you should pay. End of story. Showing the house is a far cry from selling a house.

**Jim** · 12-19-2007, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Sparks

Last I heard buyers were a little scarce in AZ. The buyers most likely want representation and if it were me buying from you I would too.

Trying to cut corners before you even have a deal. You offered it, the agent brought the offer and if you accept the offer you should pay. End of story. Showing the house is a far cry from selling a house.

People often underestimate how much work is involved throught the escrow process. Especially, when you are the only agent involved.

I show buyers with agents my listings all day long at open house and their agents still get paid.

**texasmr2** · 12-20-2007, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Malok

FSBO or not - they are still bound by the agreement that they signed to be put on the MLS. You are not able to dispense legal recourse without being privy to the agreement.

Read the Agreement.

In our area, our agreement would most likely require you to pay.

Yes they are bound by the MLS agreement, a FSBO who does not want an agent involved will soon findout how important and helpful the agent can be to them.