In most cases the buyer does not pay their realtor a commission, the realtor gets paid by the seller at the time the home closes. The seller in essence is paying a buyers realtor to bring them a buyer that will purchase their home. Buyers should keep in mind that a listing agent and/or the sellers agent doesn't protect their interests that is what it’s very important for a buyer to have their own realtor who works for them and guides them through the home-buying process from beginning to end.