VA Circular 26-24-14
Veterans can pay their own buyer-agent commission
The short version
VA allows VA-loan borrowers to pay reasonable and customary buyer-broker fees where those fees can no longer be set by the listing side. The charges cannot be added to the loan amount, and lenders must count them toward your cash to close.
What changed
- VA Circular 26-24-14 permits VA borrowers to pay reasonable and customary buyer-broker charges.
- The fee cannot be financed into the loan amount.
- Lenders must include it in your cash-to-close figure.
Why it matters
You can hire your own agent without waiting for the seller to cover the fee — but plan for it in the cash you bring to closing, since it can't be financed.
Run the numbers