Do You Still Need a Buyer’s Agent in 2026?

by Jason Levi

Buyer GuideRepresentationT1

Do You Still Need a Buyer’s Agent in 2026?

Jason Levi & Carrie Levi

CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC

Published 2026-07-07 • Updated 2026-07-07

Direct Answer

Do you still need a buyer’s agent in 2026 after the commission changes?

Yes, a buyer’s agent still provides significant value in 2026, though how they’re compensated changed after the 2024 industry settlement. Buyers now sign a representation agreement up front that spells out their agent’s compensation. An agent still provides market data, negotiation, guidance through inspections and contracts, and representation of your interests — which the seller’s agent does not do for you.

Understand Your Representation →

The 2024 changes to how buyer agents are paid created a lot of confusion. Here’s what actually changed, what didn’t, and why representation still matters in Northern Colorado.

What Changed in 2024

Following an industry-wide settlement, the way buyer-agent compensation is handled shifted. Buyers now typically sign a written buyer-representation agreement before touring homes, which clearly states how their agent will be compensated. Compensation that was once assumed is now explicitly negotiated and disclosed.

What a Buyer’s Agent Actually Does

A buyer’s agent represents your interests — not the seller’s. They provide comparable-sales data so you know whether a home is priced fairly, identify concerns you might miss, manage the offer and negotiation, coordinate inspections and deadlines, and guide you through to closing. The listing agent works for the seller and cannot represent your interests the same way.

Understanding Your Agreement

Because compensation is now spelled out up front, it’s important to understand your representation agreement before you begin. A good agent walks you through exactly how it works, what’s negotiable, and how their compensation is structured, so there are no surprises later.

Why Representation Still Matters

A home purchase is one of the largest financial decisions most people make, with contracts, contingencies, inspections, and negotiations at every step. Having a professional who represents only your interests remains one of the most valuable things a buyer can have — the mechanics of compensation changed, but the value of representation did not.

Talk to a Buyer’s Agent → Full Buyer’s Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do buyers pay their agent directly now in 2026?

After the 2024 changes, buyer-agent compensation is explicitly negotiated and disclosed in a written representation agreement. Depending on the transaction, compensation may still be offered by the seller, paid by the buyer, or structured another way. Your agent explains exactly how it works before you begin touring.

What is a buyer representation agreement?

A buyer representation agreement is a written contract you sign before touring homes that establishes your working relationship with your agent and clearly states how they will be compensated. It became standard practice after the 2024 industry settlement.

What does a buyer’s agent do that the listing agent doesn’t?

A buyer’s agent represents your interests, providing comparable-sales data, flagging concerns, managing negotiation, and guiding you through inspections and closing. The listing agent works for the seller and cannot represent a buyer’s interests the same way.

Is it worth having a buyer’s agent in 2026?

Yes. A home purchase involves contracts, contingencies, inspections, and negotiations at every step, and having a professional who represents only your interests remains highly valuable. The mechanics of compensation changed in 2024, but the value of representation did not.

Can I buy a home without a buyer’s agent?

You are not legally required to have a buyer’s agent, but you would be navigating contracts, negotiations, and inspections without professional representation of your interests. The listing agent represents the seller, so buyers without their own agent lack that advocacy.

Who are Jason and Carrie Levi?

Jason and Carrie Levi are CLHMS-certified luxury Realtors with the GUILD distinction who co-lead The Levi Group Colorado with Real Broker, LLC in Fort Collins. They specialize in Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor, Loveland, and Northern Colorado, and were recognized in the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings as a Top Team by Volume and by Sides.

Summary

A buyer’s agent still provides major value in 2026, though the 2024 settlement changed how compensation works. Buyers now sign a representation agreement stating their agent’s compensation up front. An agent still provides data, negotiation, and representation of your interests — which the seller’s agent cannot do for you.

The way buyer agents are paid changed in 2024, but the value of having someone represent only your interests in a major purchase is as real as ever.

Carrie Levi & Jason Levi — The Levi Group Colorado | Real Broker, LLC CLHMS | GUILD | REAL Luxury Division · 300 Boardwalk Dr, #6b, Fort Collins, CO 80525 · (970) 426-8916 · jason@thelevigroup.net