How much does a buyer's agent cost after the NAR settlement? (2026)

What changed with the NAR settlement

Two changes have applied since August 17, 2024:

1. Commission offers are off the MLS. Sellers no longer advertise there what they'll pay the buyer's agent.
2. Buyers sign an agreement before touring homes. It must state what the agent gets paid, as a specific amount or percentage, and the agent can't collect more than that from any source.

Sellers can still pay the buyer's agent, or give the buyer credits, but it's negotiated off the MLS. And everything is negotiable.

What buyer's agents charge today

According to Redfin, buyer's agents earned 2.42% of the price on average in the third quarter of 2025. On a $400,000 home, that's about $9,680.

What to check before signing with an agent

• The exact figure. The agreement should say what the agent earns, in dollars or as a percentage.
• Who pays. If the seller or the builder covers part of it, how much is left for you.
• Term and exit. How long the agreement lasts and how to cancel it.
• Exclusivity. Whether it stops you from working with another agent while it lasts.

New construction in the Sunbelt

Florida, Texas, Arizona and the Carolinas build a lot of new homes. Buying from a builder has its own rules: a deposit when you sign and the rest at closing, usually with a mortgage, and often builder incentives such as a rate buydown or paid closing costs. For pre-sale condos in Florida, deposits during construction are higher (buying a pre-construction condo in Miami).

How we give you back 100% in the US

In each state, Instadigs works with a licensed broker, its Broker of Record. That broker represents you in the purchase and collects the commission. At closing, 100% of the Instadigs commission comes back to you as a credit in your favor: it shows on the Closing Disclosure and lowers what you pay for your home.

It's legal, and this is what the rules say:

• Federal law. RESPA allows a settlement service provider to give the buyer back part of its fees, as long as it isn't in exchange for referrals, according to the CFPB.
• Florida. Florida Real Estate Commission rule 61J2-10.028 allows sharing the commission with a party to the transaction if all interested parties, including the lender, are told.
• Texas. TREC allows it: it has to appear on the closing disclosure, it can't be paid outside the transaction and, if it's cash, it needs the lender's consent.
• Arizona. The Department of Real Estate recommends that it appear in the contract and on the closing statement, and that the lender know about it.
• Georgia. Rule 520-1-.10 allows it if it appears on the closing statement.
• North Carolina. The NCREC allows it if the lender approves and it appears on the closing statement.

A few states ban it, such as Oregon. That's why, on every purchase, we confirm before you start how it applies in your state.

If you buy with a mortgage, the lender has to accept it, and its rules cap the credits a buyer can receive: under Fannie Mae's, between 2% and 9% of the value, depending on your down payment. We sort it out with your lender before you sign.

How Digger helps

Digger AI Agent, the Instadigs AI agent, finds new construction in any town you name, checks the builder and any delays, and runs the numbers. Asking it is free. When you're ready to buy, you open your Move and we represent you.