Are you thinking about buying a home in Portland Oregon? And… you probably have a lot of questions. I’ve been selling over 18 years in the Portland Metro areas and I have help hundreds of home buyers. Here are the most asked questions from home buyers. I’ll update and add more as they come up or if you leave a comment with any question you might have. (Updated June, 2026)
- Do I need a buyers agent to visit open houses?
– No, any homebuyers are welcome to visit open houses without own agent representation (after 2024 NAR settlement). It might be a good way to meet your next buyer’s agent at the open. - Who pays for buyer’s agent commission (BAC)?
– There’s no set rules set who pays buyer’s agent. You may pay your agent directly via Buyer Representation Agreement when you decide to work with an agent or ask the seller to pay when you make an offer. Most homebuyers are cash-tight because of the required downpayment and closing costs. - What’s typical buyer’s agent commission rate?
– No set rules. You can negotiate that with your buyer’s agent before signing BRA. - Do I need a buyer’s agent?
– It depends. If you are an experienced homebuyer, you may not need a buyers agent. However, for most of the homebuyers who buy for the first time or every 5 to 10 years, it would be a great idea to have your own buyers agent representation. The real estate rules vary significantly state by state. To be honest, as an experienced Oregon Realtor, if I’m buying in other state, I would hire my own buyers agent. - What if sellers don’t offer BAC?
– Try negotiating the BAC as a part of your offer. If not able, you may have to pay directly. Read carefully when you’re signing BRA. - How to find a great buyer’s agent
– Ask for recommendations from your coworkers, family, lender… and then make sure to read their reviews and testimonials online. Interview them on the phone, text and email and see if they communicate well as you’d like. Check out their years of experience, number of transactions and online presence. - Do big national brokerage (company) agents have more listings?
– No, all realtors share listings on RMLS in Portland, an one-man brokerage to 2000 agent brokerage, you get the same MLS listing data. - What changed after the NAR settlement in 2024?
– You have to have BRA with a buyer’s agent before the agent can show you a house. BAC (Buyer’s Agent Commission) is no longer set between seller and seller’s agent, so it needs to be added on the offer making and all is negotiable. - Does the settlement benefit home buyers or home seller?
– It’s not clear who gets more benefits, but it certainly makes it difficult and creates up-front work to homebuyers before touring homes. - When do you negotiate BAC with buyer’s agent and home purchase process?
– Before you can see any homes with any agents. The law change requires BRA and BAC set between buyer and buyer’s agent. So negotiate that with agent who you’d like to work with.
For more home buying tips in Portland Oregon specifics, check out the video playlist.