Why pay the buyer's agent?

One of the most common questions I get from homeowners is: “Why should I pay the buyer’s agent commission when I’m the one selling the house?”

Fair question. After all, the buyer’s agent works for them, so why does the cost fall on you?

Here’s the mindset shift I encourage: Don’t think like a homeowner. Think like a business owner.

The moment your home hits the market, it becomes a product. Your job is to maximize your net profit—what you actually walk away with at the closing table. And just like in business, sometimes you spend a little to make a lot more.

At Exactly, we analyzed 27 real-life offers on homes in our market. Some included a buyer’s agent commission paid by the seller, and some didn’t. We expected that sellers would net more on the offers where they weren’t covering the commission.

But that’s not what happened.

In every single case, sellers actually made more money when the buyer had an agent. The offers were stronger, the terms were cleaner and the final net to the seller was higher, even after paying commission.

Why? Because experienced agents help buyers write more competitive offers.

Most sellers forget this: If the buyer’s agent commission isn’t included in the purchase price, the buyer has to pay it out of pocket. That raises their immediate cost and can shrink what they’re willing or able to offer.

Buyers would much rather finance that cost into the deal than write a separate check. When it’s part of the mortgage, their monthly payment barely changes, and they feel more comfortable offering a higher price.

It’s like car shopping. Most buyers finance, which gives them room to stretch for the nicer model. The same psychology applies to real estate.



If your goal is to get top dollar, don’t create unnecessary obstacles. Make it easy for buyers to say yes.

When we work for the seller, our job is to maximize your net return. That means making smart, strategic decisions that drive better offers.

Call the expert team at 330-615-1414 for a free, no-obligation consultation if you are thinking about selling your home. Exactly is located at 2998 West Market Street in Fairlawn. Visit ExactlyUSA.com for more information.