Can the seller offer the listing agent a bonus after closing?

The ability of a seller to offer a bonus to the listing agent after closing is permissible under certain conditions. It is acceptable for the seller to provide a bonus, particularly if it is structured through the brokerage. This means that while the seller can express appreciation for the agent's efforts, any financial incentive must typically be funneled through the real estate brokerage to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

This arrangement maintains clarity in the transaction and ensures that the bonus does not influence the agent's fiduciary responsibilities to the client. Real estate laws often require that any commissions or bonuses are handled transparently and that they remain aligned with the brokerage's policies, which helps protect the interests of all parties involved in the transaction.

The other options mistakenly imply misunderstandings about the structure of real estate commissions and bonuses. It is not accurate to assert that bonuses are strictly prohibited, nor is it necessary for the buyer's agreement to enable a bonus unless specified by an agreement or policy. Lastly, the notion that bonuses must come from the seller directly overlooks the framework that usually requires such incentives to be processed through the listing agent's brokerage.