If you've heard about the new buyer compensation agreement requirements and aren't sure what they mean for you, you're not alone. Your Realty Link explains it clearly — no jargon, no spin.
You may have seen headlines about major changes to how real estate agents are compensated — and if you're a buyer in Indiana, you probably have questions. That's completely understandable. The new buyer compensation agreement requirements went into effect nationally in August 2024 as part of a settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The changes are real, and they do affect how buyer's agents work — but they don't have to be complicated or scary. At Your Realty Link, we believe in full transparency. We'll explain exactly what the buyer compensation agreement is, what you're agreeing to, what you get in return, and how this typically plays out in a real Central Indiana transaction.
Before the 2024 rule changes, buyer's agent compensation was largely invisible to buyers — it was bundled into the seller's side of the transaction without requiring explicit buyer acknowledgment. The new rules require that before a MIBOR member agent shows you any homes, you and the agent must have a written buyer representation agreement that clearly spells out how — and how much — the agent will be compensated. This is actually a positive development for buyers, even if it feels like more paperwork. You now have full clarity on what your agent earns, the ability to negotiate those terms, and a formal commitment that your agent is working specifically for you. What hasn't changed is that sellers in Indiana still commonly offer compensation to the buyer's agent as part of the transaction — and buyers can request that sellers cover their agent's fee as part of an offer.
Janet Giles-Schultz and our team take a straightforward approach to buyer compensation agreements. Before we begin working with you, we'll sit down and walk through the agreement together — explaining every line, answering every question, and making sure you feel completely comfortable before signing anything. We'll tell you exactly what our fee is, how it's typically covered in a Central Indiana transaction, and what happens in situations where the seller doesn't offer buyer's agent compensation. We don't believe in fine print or surprises. The agreement formalizes a working relationship that we're committed to earning through genuine service — finding you the right home, negotiating effectively, and being there every step of the way through closing. You should feel confident in who you're working with before you sign, and we give you every reason to be.
You'll know exactly what our compensation is and how it works before you ever sign anything or tour a single home.
In the majority of Central Indiana transactions, the seller still covers the buyer's agent fee — just with explicit disclosure now.
Compensation is negotiable. We'll have an honest conversation about what works for your specific situation.
The agreement confirms we work exclusively for you — your goals, your interests, your deal.
We always start with a no-obligation consultation. You get to know us, ask questions, and understand how we work — before any agreement is signed.
We walk through the buyer compensation agreement line by line. No rushing, no pressure. You'll understand exactly what you're agreeing to.
Once you're comfortable and the agreement is signed, we get to work — setting up your search, scheduling showings, and focusing entirely on finding your home.
When you make an offer, we'll advise you on whether to request seller-paid buyer's agent compensation as part of the terms — and negotiate accordingly.
At closing, your settlement statement will clearly show all compensation — no surprises, just the transparent transaction we promised from the start.
The buyer compensation agreement changes actually make it more important than ever to choose an agent who earns their fee. Because compensation is now explicit and negotiable, buyers have more reason to ask the question: what am I getting for this? At Your Realty Link, that question has a clear answer. You get a MIBOR member agent with deep Central Indiana market knowledge, a dedicated advocate who represents only your interests, expert negotiation on one of the largest purchases of your life, and a team that will be with you from the first conversation through the day you get your keys. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, the value of true buyer representation has never been clearer — or more important.
Yes. As of August 2024, MIBOR member agents are required to have a signed buyer representation agreement — which includes compensation terms — before showing a buyer any homes. This is a national requirement resulting from the NAR settlement. It is not unique to Indiana or to Your Realty Link. The goal is transparency: buyers should know upfront what their agent earns and how.
Not necessarily. In the majority of transactions in Central Indiana, sellers still offer compensation to the buyer's agent as part of the sale. The buyer's agent commission is negotiated between the listing agent and the seller, and buyers can also negotiate for sellers to cover their agent's fee as part of the purchase offer. What the new rules require is that this be disclosed and agreed upon in writing upfront — not that buyers automatically pay it directly.
In that scenario, the buyer and agent would discuss options — which could include the buyer paying the fee directly, negotiating a reduced fee, or adjusting the offer price to account for it. Your Realty Link will always be upfront about how compensation is structured before you sign anything, and we'll work with you to find an arrangement that makes sense for your situation.
No. Buyer representation agreements are typically for a defined period of time and geographic area. If things aren't working out, agreements can often be terminated by mutual consent. At Your Realty Link, we believe the best client relationships are built on trust and results — not paperwork. We're confident that once you work with us, you'll want to see it through to closing.
Call Janet Giles-Schultz for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll answer every question and make sure you feel completely comfortable before moving forward.
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