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Buyer-agent compensation is entirely separate from your Fortify flat fee. You decide whether to offer it and how much — and you can change your decision at any time before accepting an offer. Understanding your options helps you make the choice that’s right for your market and your bottom line.

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What buyer-agent compensation is

When a buyer works with a real estate agent, that agent expects to be paid for their time and expertise. Historically, sellers covered that cost by offering a percentage of the sale price through the MLS. Since 2024 rule changes stemming from the NAR settlement, buyers are now required to sign a written compensation agreement with their agent before touring homes. This made seller-offered compensation fully optional rather than assumed. What this means for you: you have genuine flexibility. Offering compensation can motivate buyer’s agents to show your home; not offering it keeps more proceeds in your pocket but shifts the compensation conversation between buyers and their agents.

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Your choices

Most sellers offer between 2–3% of the sale price as buyer-agent compensation. Listing a competitive amount in the MLS gives buyer’s agents a clear incentive to show your home alongside agent-listed properties.Why sellers choose this option:
  • Wider buyer pool — agents are more motivated to bring their clients to see homes with compensation offers
  • Smoother transactions — buyers don’t have to separately negotiate agent pay, which can simplify offers
  • Consistent with market expectations in most areas
Fortify enters the exact percentage or flat dollar amount you specify directly into the MLS compensation field. There is no markup, no handling fee, and no portion retained by Fortify.

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How Fortify lists your compensation

When you specify a compensation amount during setup (or update it later), Fortify’s broker enters it in the MLS compensation field — exactly the same field used for any agent-listed home. The amount is visible to buyer’s agents searching the MLS and appears on the listing detail just as it would for a traditionally listed property. Fortify does not mark up, retain, or add fees on top of the compensation amount you set. The full amount goes to the buyer’s agent at closing, paid from your proceeds — just like it would through any other listing arrangement.

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Changing your compensation amount

You can update your buyer-agent compensation offer at any time before you accept an offer. To make a change:
  1. Log in to the Fortify seller portal
  2. Navigate to your active listing and click Request edit
  3. Specify the new compensation amount or percentage
  4. Your broker processes the change and updates the MLS, typically within a few business hours
Keep in mind that changing your compensation amount counts as a listing edit and is subject to your plan’s edit limits — one of your three edits on Essentials, or unlimited on Pro and Elite.
If you’re unsure what to offer, Elite plan sellers receive broker guidance on compensation strategy as part of the pricing and positioning review.
Buyer-agent compensation is in addition to your Fortify flat fee and is paid directly from your closing proceeds, the same way Fortify’s fee is collected.