Yes, reduce the top-line offer by 3%, or slightly less than 3% -- so everyone is actually coming out ahead. You're absolutely right, I can't dictate the agreem

Yes, reduce the top-line offer by 3%, or slightly less than 3% -- so everyone is actually coming out ahead. You're absolutely right, I can't dictate the agreement between the seller and their agent. But when I put in writing, "hereby relinquish any and all claim to the 3% buyer's agent fee ($XX,XXX)" it gets the point across. Then it's between the seller and their agent, usually the agent will get a small bump (from 3% to 4%) and the seller keeps the rest. It's important to try to convince the seller at the same time, that the sale will be easier without the buyer's agent, not harder. Also important to refuse to sign any kind of "dual agency" agreement with the seller's agent.