Buyer's Agent
Buying in Mesa? We work for you.
Post-2024 NAR settlement changed how buyer's agents get paid. Here's what it means for you, what we charge, and what we do from 'I want to buy' to keys in hand.
What Changed on August 17, 2024
Before the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent commissions were published on the MLS and buyers rarely saw or negotiated them directly. The seller paid a fixed commission to the listing broker, who split it with the buyer's agent. Most buyers didn't know what their agent was being paid and never signed a written agreement about it.
As of August 17, 2024, two things changed nationally:
- Written buyer agreements are required. You must sign an agreement with your agent before they show you a home in person. It has to specify compensation (flat fee, hourly, or percentage) and services.
- No more commission offers on the MLS. Sellers can still offer a concession to cover the buyer's agent, but it's done in the purchase contract, not posted on the MLS listing page.
Sources: National Association of Realtors settlement FAQ; Clever Real Estate February 2026 survey (533 agents).
What We Charge, Who Pays
Our buyer's agent compensation
2% to 2.5% of purchase price, paid at closing. Sits at or below the Arizona statewide average of 2.92% (Clever February 2026). Negotiable for higher-value purchases, cash deals, or multiple transactions.
On a $448,000 Mesa home (current metro median), that's $8,960 to $11,200.
Who pays
In practice, we structure most deals so the seller pays our commission out of sale proceeds at closing. Still the most common arrangement in the Phoenix East Valley market, even after the NAR settlement.
When a seller won't or can't offer a concession, three paths:
- You offer slightly less on price to offset our commission
- You pay us at closing from your own funds (not financed)
- We accept a lower commission for volume or relationship reasons
What a Buyer's Agent Actually Does
Before you start looking
- Initial consultation (target areas, price range, must-haves, timeline)
- Lender introductions for pre-approval if not already done
- Buyer agreement setup (required by NAR settlement)
- Custom ARMLS search feed sending you matching listings
Home search + showings
- Schedule showings with listing agents
- Attend showings (or video walkthroughs for remote buyers)
- CMA on any home you’re seriously considering
- Neighborhood context (schools, commute, future development, HOA)
- Red-flag check: tax liens, title flags, obvious conditions
Writing the offer
- Offer strategy (price, earnest money, contingencies, close date)
- Arizona Association of Realtors standard purchase contract
- Financing contingency + appraisal gap handling
- Inspection period strategy (standard 10 days in AZ)
- Counter-offer negotiation
Under contract through closing
- Inspection coordination + repair negotiation
- Appraisal management + gap strategy
- Title, escrow, lender communication
- Final walkthrough scheduling + attendance
- Closing attendance (in-person or remote)