In practice, a seller often still covers the buyer's agent out of the sale proceeds as part of the total closing costs, generally 4 to 6 percent, which can make representation feel free to the buyer at the table even though it was negotiated and disclosed as part of the transaction rather than simply waived.
That arrangement is not guaranteed on every deal, and a buyer should confirm in writing, before touring homes, exactly how their agent is being compensated and by whom.
The details vary deal to deal, but clarity upfront protects everyone involved. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.