Do You Still Pay a Buyer's Agent Commission?

One of the biggest questions we get from buyers and sellers in San Diego is whether commissions still exist after the 2024 rule changes. The headlines made it sound like the whole structure collapsed overnight, and that confusion is still floating around even a couple of years later.

The short answer is no, real estate commissions didn’t disappear. They’re still very active on both sides of the transaction. What changed is the transparency around them, and that’s actually a really good thing for buyers and sellers if you understand how to work with it.

Some of what changed is about paperwork. Some of it is about strategy. And one of the most important shifts has quietly changed how a lot of people start their search. Buyers are now required to sign an agreement with an agent before they can tour a home.

You can watch the full video above, or feel free to skip to the topics that interest you most using the timestamps below:

00:00 — Introduction
00:34 — What Changed
03:05 — Before And After
04:08 — Buyer Requirements
07:06 — Seller Considerations
08:53 — Key Takeaway
10:17 — San Diego Market

The truth is, the new rules made everything more transparent, but they didn’t change what makes a transaction work. Most sellers are still offering buyer’s agent compensation, 88% of buyers are still working with a Realtor, and the right strategy on either side of the deal is still what gets you the outcome you want. With close to 400 homes selling in San Diego last week and almost 500 pending, this is still a very active market, and the people who understand the new rules are the ones moving with confidence.

Don’t let these new rules and regulations spoil the goal of getting into a home, upgrading, or downsizing. As long as you understand the new disclosures, this is still very much a market you can move in.

We’re right here in Scripps Ranch, and we’d love to help. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in San Diego and want to talk through what these rules mean for your specific situation, call us at 858-779-0823, email us at info@riederhomes.com, or visit riederhomes.com. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly real estate updates and market insights from San Diego.