3 Reasons Why Sellers Shouldn’t Skip Paying a Buyer’s Agent

by Danae Aballi-Mecham

Learn about the risks of dealing with unrepresented buyers and how it could cost you more money and stress.

If you’re getting ready to sell, you’ve probably heard commission rules have changed, and you might be wondering, “Do I even need to pay a buyer’s agent anymore?” It makes sense to think it could save you money. However, what often happens is that unrepresented buyers ask for a lower price since they know you’re not offering a commission.

So, before you make that call, here are three reasons why working with unrepresented buyers might not be your best bet:

1. Dual agency can get tricky. Here’s the thing: if a buyer comes directly to your listing agent without their own agent, that person could be considered a dual agent, representing both sides of the deal.

Some states don’t even allow that because of how messy it can get. In California, it’s legal, but just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Think of it like hiring the same divorce lawyer as your ex. You want someone who’s only looking out for you.

“There are better ways to protect your sales and avoid the extra hassle.”

2. Buyers need guidance. When buyers don’t have an agent, they’re kind of flying blind, and that’s where things can go sideways. They might not understand the timeline, get stressed over the inspection report, or miss a key deadline. And when things get emotional (which they often do), there’s no one there to help them sort it out.

I’ve seen deals fall apart at the last minute simply because the buyer didn’t have the support they needed. It’s frustrating—and it’s usually completely avoidable.

3. It creates extra stress. When a buyer doesn’t have an agent, there’s a good chance they’ll come straight to you with questions or negotiations—and let’s be real, that’s stressful. You didn’t sign up to play middleman, and suddenly you’re put on the spot, trying to make decisions in the moment.

With a buyer’s agent involved, everything runs through them first. You’ve got space to think, time to respond, and a layer of protection. Without that buffer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that can lead to rushed choices. Or worse, you might agree to things you might’ve pushed back if you had the right support.

There are better ways to protect your sales and avoid the extra hassle. If you need further guidance, you can call me at 949-216-8565 or send an email to danae@danaeaballi.com. I look forward to hearing from you!