I want to take a moment to share an important update in our real estate world that you may have heard about but would like some clarification. There’s been a significant change in how buyers’ agents are compensated in a transaction, and is very important for both buyers and sellers to understand how this works.
In the past, sellers would typically advertise upfront in MLS what they were offering to pay a buyer’s agent. That made things feel very standard across most transactions. Moving forward, that’s no longer allowed. Now, compensation for a buyer’s agent isn’t advertised publicly. Instead, it’s something that gets negotiated as part of the offer itself. For most clients, this won’t dramatically change the process; it simply changes how that conversation happens.
So what does that actually mean in real life?
If you’re my buyer-client, it means we’ll have a more detailed conversation at the beginning of our relationship about how I'm compensated and what that looks like for you. You’ll then sign a buyer representation agreement that outlines that clearly. When it comes time to make an offer, we can request that the seller cover some or all that cost, or structure things in a way that makes the most sense based on the property and current market conditions.
If you’re a seller, you now have more flexibility. You’re not required to offer compensation to a buyer’s agent upfront, and nothing about it will be advertised publicly. That said, buyers may include requests for it in their offers. In many cases, offering to cover some or all of that cost can still be a smart strategy to attract strong buyers and keep your home competitive.
The biggest shift here is that what used to feel automatic is now simply part of the negotiation. And honestly, that’s where having the right strategy - and the right guidance - really matters. What hasn’t changed is the value of experienced and professional representation. Buyers still benefit from having someone like me advocating for them, and sellers still benefit from my strong marketing and skilled negotiation. With over 25 years of combined experience, I have guided clients through multiple market shifts, and my role is to help you navigate this one clearly and confidently, without added stress or confusion.
A brief conversation can help clarify your options, and give you a realistic picture of what’s possible in the current market. There’s absolutely no obligation—just helpful, personalized advice from a professional who knows
the market inside and out. To get things started you can either email me at john.barmon@nemoves.com, or call me directly at 617-529-6335.
Take care...and I'm looking forward to helping you with your 2026 real estate journey!