In NH is it normal for the buyer to pay for their agent's portion of the fee? (real estate)

[movingover]

In other states it seems it's typical for the seller to pay the buying and selling agent's fee completely. In NH is it typical for the buyer to be responsible for their agent's portion (usually half?) of the fee? If so, it would seem that you're just displacing that portion into the price anyway, since the money is fungible.

[NH2008]

If I understand what you're asking, no, that's not normal.

[movingover]

Well what is normal in NH? And does it really matter? I mean if I'm responsible for the buying agent's fee, I'm just going to either offer less money for the property, or I'm going to ask for cash back.

My understanding is that in NH the seller doesn't have to disclose what they're paying their selling agent, but does set the minimum fee for the buyer's agent.

[Valerie C]

When you sign a contract to hire an agent as YOUR exclusive Buyer's Agent, you discuss their expected commission at that time. Nothing is carved in stone, as this would be considered price fixing. Some agents agree to accept whatever the listed co-broke in MLS. Others have a set percentage that they are willing to work for, and the Buyer would responsible to pay any shortage between what the Listing Agent is offering, and what you have agreed to pay. This is a standard part of EVERY Buyer Agency contract, and you and your agent (asuming that you have one) need to sit and discuss to a solution that works for you both.

[movingover]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

When you sign a contract to hire an agent as YOUR exclusive Buyer's Agent, you discuss their expected commission at that time. Nothing is carved in stone, as this would be considered price fixing. Some agents agree to accept whatever the listed co-broke in MLS. Others have a set percentage that they are willing to work for, and the Buyer would responsible to pay any shortage between what the Listing Agent is offering, and what you have agreed to pay. This is a standard part of EVERY Buyer Agency contract, and you and your agent (asuming that you have one) need to sit and discuss to a solution that works for you both.

That makes perfect sense.

[NH2008]

I did interview one exclusive buyer's agent who said I would have to make up the difference between what was offered by the listing agent and what she desired. I said no way. There is no shortage of real estate agents looking for clients right now and I wouldn't pay for the privilege unless you have interviewed all the other agents first and know that they're incapable of getting the job done (unlikely).

Yes, you could offer less and pay the agent's fee directly, but there are so many other negotiation points to haggle over that I just don't see the point.

[buck naked]

Valerie can probably give you more detail as she is a realtor...however, the buyers used to pay the entire fee and then the laws/rules were changed roughly a decade ago, maybe more. Now it's 50/50.