🏡 What NY Home Buyers Need to Know: New Rules for Buyer Agents & Commissions (2025 Update)

Buying a home in New York? Big changes are here for how real estate agents represent and get paid — and you need to know what’s changed before you tour your first property.

🚨 Key Changes You Should Know

1. Buyer–Broker Agreements Now Required

• Agents must have you sign a written agreement before representing you as a buyer.
  
  

• This agreement outlines:
  
  

  • Who the agent represents
    
    

  • What services they provide
    
    

  • How they get paid
    
    

  • A disclosure that commissions are negotiable
    
    

2. You May Need to Pay Your Agent Directly

• In the past, sellers often paid the buyer’s agent’s fee — that’s no longer guaranteed.
  
  

• Sellers may not offer a commission at all.
  
  

• If they don’t, you (the buyer) may be responsible for paying your agent.
  
  

3. Commission Transparency Is Changing

• Commission offers from sellers are no longer shown in MLS or online listings.
  
  

• You must ask your agent up front how and when they’re getting paid.
  
  

✅ What You Should Do as a Buyer

• Review and sign a buyer–broker agreement before starting your search.
  
  

• Discuss commission early. Ask: “Will I have to pay you directly?”
  
  

• Know that fees are negotiable — don’t be afraid to ask for clarity or alternatives.
  
  

• Talk to your lender or attorney if agent fees may affect your closing costs.
  
  

🧾 Bottom Line

Buying a home in New York now involves clear agreements and open conversations about commissions. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for — and who’s working for you.

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