Agents usually split the commission. So, the seller will pay their agent 6%, but the buyer's agent takes half, or 3%. If you don't have an agent, and put in a b

Agents usually split the commission. So, the seller will pay their agent 6%, but the buyer's agent takes half, or 3%. If you don't have an agent, and put in a bid on a hot property, the seller's agent will have a much stronger incentive to push your offer through, since they will make substantially more money. Alternatively, you might be able to get away with a slightly lower bid since the seller and seller's agent could eat some of the cost.