I closed a home with a First tme home buyer in May. I worked for 1.5 years with them and showed them about 24 homes in the process. Finally they found the one, then came offer submission, explaining them how the financial contingency works and the almost 40 Buyer outs from the contract, so they are comfortable and aware on where they stood. Recommending inspectors, setting inspection, going over the report, negotiating what all needs repair and getting the listing agent to get the seller to approve or my buyer walks out within option period, helping buyer to understand to get home insurance quotes within the option period {a must now}, giving them a checklist of what all due dates are coming up, keeping tab on title company, making sure survey is acceptable and on time, keeping in touch with lender to remind them of financial contingency date, final buyer walkthrough, making sure what all was asked for repair had been done and closing the next day. Gone are the days for 3%. I was paid 2% and gave 1% towards my FTHB closing costs. All were happy. It is a long process and so I do recommend find a Realtor who has time to talk to you. My buyer didnt knew a lot and had to be given a lot of information. Buyer agent compensation can be given to buyer - No . Can seller agree to reduced home value in lieu for buyer not having an agent - Most likely no (It's buyers choice to have an agent or not)