When buying a house through a real estate agent, the cost is typically built into the final sale price of the home. While the exact amount can vary, on average, a buyer's agent's commission can range from 2.5 to 3% of the home's purchase price. This means that for a home sold at the median price of $418,000, the buyer's agent's commission would be approximately $10,450 to $12,540. However, it's important to note that the seller typically covers both their own agent's commission and the buyer's agent's commission in the transaction.
It's worth mentioning that the commission rates can vary based on several factors, including the location, the property type, and the value of the home. Additionally, individual real estate agents may have different commission rates, with some charging as low as 1% and others charging up to 5%. Ultimately, the cost of using a real estate agent to buy a house is a percentage of the final sale price, and it's important for both buyers and sellers to understand the commission structure and negotiate the terms of the transaction accordingly.