Who pays the real estate agent fees when selling a house in Pittsburgh? It’s a question many homeowners ask, especially with recent changes to real estate commission rules. As of August 2024, new industry standards have shifted how these fees are handled, leaving many sellers uncertain about what to expect.
Traditionally, sellers were responsible for covering both their own agent’s commission and the buyer’s agent’s commission, which often added up to 5–6% of the home’s sale price. Under the updated rules, the responsibility for paying these fees can vary, and in some cases, buyers may now be expected to cover their own agent’s commission.
Understanding how these changes affect you is critical when planning to sell your home. In this guide, we’ll explain who pays what, how these costs impact your bottom line, and how you may be able to avoid paying agent fees altogether if you choose to sell your home fast for cash.
How Real Estate Commissions Usually Work
Traditionally, when you sell a home in Pittsburgh — or anywhere in the U.S. — the seller pays both the listing agent’s commission and the buyer’s agent’s commission. These fees come directly out of the sale proceeds at closing, which means they can have a significant impact on your bottom line.
The standard real estate commission has typically ranged between 5% and 6% of the home’s final sale price. That total amount is then split between the agents and their respective brokerages. For example, on a home that sells for $200,000, a 5% commission equals $10,000 in total fees. Here’s how that breakdown often looks:
- Listing broker: 1.25%
- Listing agent: 1.25%
- Buyer’s broker: 1.25%
- Buyer’s agent: 1.25%
It’s important to remember that these percentages aren’t fixed. Despite the perception that commissions are set in stone, they are actually negotiable. The seller and agent can agree on a lower commission rate, and in some cases, agents may be flexible if the home is expected to sell quickly or if the seller is also buying through the same agent.
That said, even with negotiation, real estate commissions remain one of the largest costs of selling a home. For many homeowners, paying thousands in fees feels frustrating, especially when paired with closing costs, repairs, and other expenses. This is one reason some sellers look for alternatives, such as selling their homes directly to a cash buyer, where there are no commissions or hidden fees to worry about.
What’s Changed in 2024?
In August 2024, new rules introduced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reshaped how real estate commissions are handled. The biggest change is that buyers must now sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, clearly outlining how that agent will be paid.
This adjustment gives buyers more transparency and flexibility but also changes expectations for sellers. In the past, sellers were almost always expected to cover both their own agent’s fee and the buyer’s agent’s fee. Under the new rules, that responsibility is no longer automatic.
Here’s what the update means in practice:
- Sellers aren’t automatically on the hook. The buyer’s agent fee is no longer assumed to be covered by the seller.
- Buyers have more responsibility. Since they must sign an agreement upfront, buyers now have to know exactly how their agent expects to be compensated.
- Negotiation happens at the offer stage. A buyer may request that the seller cover their agent’s commission as part of the purchase agreement, but it’s handled case by case.
- Greater flexibility overall. Buyers and sellers can now decide what works best for both parties instead of following a standard expectation.
For sellers in Pittsburgh, this shift could mean substantial savings, especially if buyers are prepared to cover their own agent’s fees. However, sellers should still be ready for negotiations, as some buyers may factor commission requests into their offers. Understanding these changes upfront helps you navigate the process with confidence.
What Does This Mean for Pittsburgh Home Sellers?
For homeowners in Pittsburgh, the 2024 commission rule changes provide greater flexibility and potential savings. In the past, sellers were almost always expected to cover the buyer’s agent fees, but now that responsibility can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. This gives you more control over how much you spend to close the deal.
Here are some options now available to sellers:
- Let buyers make their best offer. Instead of automatically factoring in the buyer’s agent fee, you can wait to see the terms of the offer and then decide if you’re willing to cover part or all of that expense.
- Offer a closing concession. Some sellers choose to provide a credit at closing that the buyer can use toward their agent’s fee or other costs. This can make your home more attractive while still giving you control over the amount you contribute.
- Adjust based on competition. In a strong seller’s market, you may not need to offer help with commission at all. In a slower market, contributing toward fees could make your home stand out and attract more offers.
This shift ultimately benefits sellers by removing the automatic expectation of paying both sides’ commissions. Instead, you can tailor your approach depending on the strength of the market, the buyer’s needs, and your financial goals. For Pittsburgh homeowners, that means more room to negotiate and potentially keep more money in your pocket at closing.
Should You Still Pay the Buyer’s Agent?
Even with the 2024 rule changes, some sellers may still decide to cover the buyer’s agent fee — and with good reason. Offering to pay this cost can make your property more attractive to a larger pool of buyers. Many buyers, especially first-time homeowners, may not have the extra funds to cover their agent’s commission. By taking on this expense, you make it easier for them to submit a strong offer, which could lead to a faster and smoother sale.
The difference now is that you’re not required to advertise this incentive on the MLS. Instead, you can choose whether to disclose it and when. This gives you more privacy and control over your selling strategy. Ultimately, covering the buyer’s agent fee is optional, but it remains a valuable tool if your goal is to generate more interest and increase the chances of selling quickly.
Are Real Estate Fees Worth It?
Real estate agents provide valuable services — from listing your home and marketing it effectively to hosting open houses and negotiating offers. For many sellers, this expertise is worth the commission. However, not every situation requires hiring a traditional agent, especially when speed or simplicity is more important than maximizing value.
You may want to explore alternatives if:
- Your home needs significant repairs. Agents may struggle to market properties that require extensive work, and buyers might hesitate.
- You’re facing foreclosure, probate, or liens. In these cases, a fast, straightforward solution is often more valuable than a drawn-out listing.
- You need to sell quickly or privately. Not every seller wants open houses, showings, or months of waiting.
That’s where selling directly to a cash buyer can make sense. With no commissions, no repairs, and quick closings, this option saves money and reduces stress.
Do You Want to Skip the Fees Altogether?
If you’re thinking, “I need to sell my house fast in Pittsburgh,” consider working with a local cash buyer like 412 Houses. We purchase homes in any condition with no commissions, no open houses, and no waiting around.
Whether you’re behind on payments, dealing with a burdensome property, or don’t want the hassle of showings and repairs, we can help. Our process is fast, fair, and stress-free.
What’s the Easiest Way to Sell?
Are real estate commissions worth paying, or is there a better way to sell your home in Pittsburgh? With the 2024 rule changes, sellers now have more freedom than ever to negotiate commissions and decide whether to contribute to the buyer’s agent fee. While this flexibility can save money, it also adds new layers of negotiation and decision-making to the selling process.
For homeowners who want to avoid uncertainty, skip the fees, and move quickly, selling to a cash buyer may be the smartest choice. Cash buyers like 412 Houses purchase homes in any condition, with no commissions, no repairs, and no waiting. Instead of worrying about agent agreements and extra costs, you can close on your timeline and walk away with cash in hand.
If convenience, speed, and simplicity are your priorities, working with a trusted local cash buyer can provide the hassle-free solution you need.