Buyer Education · August 19, 2026
Charlotte Buyer Agency After the NAR Practice Changes
Written agreements and clearer compensation talks are the norm. The job is still the same: someone who works for you.
· Carnarri Cofield · 7 min read · Buyer & Seller Education
Industry practice changes around the National Association of REALTORS® settlement put written buyer agreements and clearer compensation conversations at the center of every serious search. The headline noise said "buyers will pay everything now." The real Charlotte workflow is more nuanced.
What actually changed for shoppers
You should expect a candid talk about what your buyer's broker does and how that broker may be paid before you burn weekends on tours. MLS offers of compensation are not the old default field many consumers remember. Listing-by-listing details matter.
None of that removes the value of representation. Sellers still have listing brokers. Builders still have sales teams. Going in alone is still negotiating against professionals who do not work for you.
Resale vs new construction
On resale, compensation might come from seller-paid offers, buyer-paid fees, or a blend negotiated in the agreements. On new construction, builders often still budget cooperating compensation, but only if your broker is registered correctly at first contact.
That is why our new-construction path stresses representation first and registration second, with any Represented-Buyer Credit treated as a possible closing credit from commissions actually received, never as a promised rebate.
One move
Before your next showing request, schedule a buyer consult that covers the written agreement, likely compensation paths on your price band, and whether any homes on your list are builder inventory with registration rules.
Educational summary of practice trends, not legal advice. Agency and compensation rules are governed by state law, brokerage policy, and your written agreements. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. Fair Housing: informational only. Verify schools by address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a written buyer agreement in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires a written agency agreement before a broker can present an offer on your behalf, and practice norms emphasize clear agreements early. Expect to discuss services and compensation in writing before you get deep into showings.
Who pays the buyer's agent now?
Compensation is negotiable and can be paid by the seller, the buyer, or a combination, depending on the listing and your agreement. Offers of compensation are no longer assumed from MLS fields the way many buyers remember. Read the listing and your agreement.
Is dual agency a good idea?
Dual agency limits undivided loyalty. Studies and consumer advocates have flagged cost and advocacy risks. Citadel emphasizes clear buyer representation, especially on new construction where the builder already has a sales team.
Related reading
Get the agreement and the search plan in one call
We explain services, compensation options, and how offers of co-op work on the listings you care about before you tour.