How do real estate agents get paid now?

The short answer

By negotiated commission, set in writing before you work together. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers sign an agreement stating their agent's fee before touring, and buyer-agent compensation is no longer advertised through the MLS. Sellers still frequently cover the buyer's agent fee as a negotiated deal term. Everything — the rate, the structure, the exit clause — is negotiable up front.