What Does a Buyer's Agent Actually Do? (And Who Pays for It in Arizona)

Confused about buyer's agents and who pays in Arizona after the 2024 NAR settlement? Here's the honest breakdown from a Gilbert, AZ Realtor

If you've been thinking about buying a home in Gilbert, AZ, you've probably heard something about "the NAR settlement" and wondered what it actually means for you.

The internet has not been helpful. Some articles make it sound like buyer's agents are free. Others make it sound like buyers are now on the hook for thousands of dollars in fees. The truth is somewhere in the middle, and it's honestly not that scary once someone explains it like a normal person.

So let's do that.

What a Buyer's Agent Does (That You Probably Don't Think About)

A buyer's agent works entirely for you. Not the seller. Not the listing agent. You.

Here's what that actually looks like day to day:

• Scheduling showings and knowing which questions to ask about each home
• Researching what homes are actually worth so you don't overpay
• Writing a competitive offer that protects you with the right contingencies
• Negotiating repairs, credits, and price after the inspection
• Walking you through every document in escrow so nothing catches you off guard at closing

That last one is huge. Arizona escrow paperwork is a lot. Having someone who knows it well is the difference between a smooth close and a very stressful phone call on signing day.

Who Pays for the Buyer's Agent in Arizona Now?

Here's where it gets a little nuanced.

Before August 2024, the seller almost always paid both agents at closing. That was just how it worked. After the NAR settlement, that automatic arrangement went away. Now, compensation has to be negotiated and agreed to in writing before you ever tour a home.

In practice, most sellers in Arizona are still covering the buyer's agent fee. Inventory is up and sellers want their homes to be as attractive as possible to buyers, so offering to pay the buyer's agent is still common. It is not guaranteed, but it is still very much the norm in 2026.

The bigger change is that before we tour a single home together, we sign a buyer-broker agreement. It spells out exactly what I get paid and how. No surprises. No fine print. Just a clear conversation upfront.

Honestly, I think that part is a good thing.

What This Means If You're Buying in Gilbert or the East Valley

If you're planning to buy a home in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, or anywhere in the East Valley this spring, here is the simple version:

You likely won't pay your buyer's agent out of pocket. Most sellers are still covering it. But you will sign an agreement that makes everything transparent from day one.

My job is to make sure you feel good about every step, from the first showing to the keys in your hand. I will always tell you what to expect before it happens, including anything related to how I get paid.

If you have questions about how all of this works for your specific situation, I am genuinely happy to talk through it. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a straight conversation.

Laura Holl | Team Lead, Signature Haus Group | The Ave Collective

I help buyers, sellers, and relocations across Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, Mesa, San Tan Valley, and Scottsdale. No pressure, no hype. Just honest local advice.

📲 602.486.9607 📧 LauraHsellsAZ@gmail.com 💻 laurahsellsaz.com

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