If a broker's price opinion is required, who typically compensates the sales associate involved?

A broker's price opinion (BPO) is often requested by banks or financial institutions, particularly in situations such as a foreclosure or when they need an estimated value for a property without a formal appraisal. In these cases, the bank is directly interested in obtaining a valuation to make informed lending decisions or to assess property value during transactions.

Since the bank requests the BPO, it is typically responsible for compensating the sales associate who performs the evaluation. This means that the financial institution, rather than the buyer, seller, or real estate agency, assumes the financial responsibility for the cost of the opinion. Therefore, the correct understanding of who compensates the sales associate lies in recognizing the relationship between the bank's request and the subsequent remuneration for the real estate professional's services.