By DAVID HOUCK
Qualifying Broker
Atomic Realty, LLC
With the recent National Association of Realtors lawsuit settlement, buyers now have more control than ever over how their broker is paid. A written Buyer’s Brokerage Agreement is now required before an agent can show homes. This gives buyers a powerful tool: control over what they pay and who they hire.
The Truth: The Buyer Pays Everything
While some brokers still claim, “We’ll get the seller to pay the buyer’s agent commission,” it’s not the full picture. Ultimately, the buyer is bringing all the money to the table—including what’s used to pay agents, closing costs, and the seller’s net proceeds.
Yes, a seller can agree to cover part (or all) of your broker’s fee, but that’s negotiated in the purchase contract—and not guaranteed.
Three Key Things to Know About Buyer Brokerage Agreements
- What Are You Paying Your Broker?
This is fully negotiable. Don’t be afraid to shop around. You’re paying this out of the total money you’re bringing to the transaction, so choose a broker whose service and commission make sense to you. - “The Seller Will Pay” — Maybe, Maybe Not
It’s true that the buyer broker fee can be negotiated to be paid by the seller. But keep in mind: the lower the fee you’ve negotiated with your broker, the more likely the seller is to agree to pay it. - How Long Are You Locked In?
Be cautious about signing long-term agreements. Ask: - How long is this agreement for?
- How easy is it to cancel?
We recommend starting with a short-term agreement. If your broker is a good fit, you can always extend. But if your broker is part-time or unavailable, why stay locked in?
How Atomic Realty Stands Out
At Atomic Realty, we keep it simple and transparent:
- Buyer Brokerage Fee: 3%
- Our buyer buying an Atomic Realty listing? You pay 0%
- Agreement Length: 90 days — but cancel anytime
No pressure. No long-term lock-ins. Just fair terms and professional service.
Clarity ≠ Criticism
Some brokers view these conversations as personal attacks. They’re not. Every professional deserves a fair wage. But transparency is essential. It’s time for the real estate industry to move away from outdated, hobbyist models and into a future built on professionalism and full disclosure.
Los Alamos Market Snapshot (as of Sept 1, 2025)
While this data is county-wide and may not reflect your home’s exact value, here’s a quick look at the current trends:
- Homes for Sale: 62 (a high number—lots of competition)
- Median List Price: $318/sq ft
- Median Sold Price (last 180 days): $305/sq ft
- Average Days on Market: 80 (Compare that to just 7 days two years ago!)
Want a personalized valuation? Visit AtomicRealty.net or contact us directly for a tailored analysis.
About David Houck
David Houck is the Qualifying Broker at Atomic Realty. With over 40 years of experience and a background in math, physics, and law, David brings a high level of integrity and expertise to every transaction. He also serves on the New Mexico Association of Realtors Forms Committee, working to make contracts clearer and more consumer friendly.