<prompt> Human: Hi PF, I need help! I am just about to put an offer in for my first home! It is a bank owned condo. In the offer documents I noticed that my realtor wrote that he is representing me at a 2.5 commission. Is this something that he is going to be paid buy the seller in this case the bank or is this something I have to come out of pocket with. Just a side note: I realize how hard it is to trust people now with your sensitive information. Im sending tax docs and pay stubs to people I dont even know do get approved for a mortgage. I am really uncomfortable with this process but I guess its what it takes. Any words of wisdom for a newbie? Might be relevant: Lives in NJ.  <response>: This is 100 normal, and is not paid by you. Your realtor is not ripping you off. Read that contract a little more carefully, and you will find the language that says so. Most important thing you can do is read everything very thoroughly, and ask questions if you dont understand something. Dont sign contracts you dont understand. 