In a short sale, the lender typically pays the realtor’s commissions. However, the specific terms of the commission payment may be subject to negotiation between the realtor and their client. In some cases, the realtor may agree to a lower commission rate in exchange for a quicker sale, while in other cases, the lender may require the realtor to accept a lower commission as a condition of the sale. The terms of the commission payment should be clearly outlined in the short sale agreement between the lender and the homeowner.