Buyers, Sellers, and Agents: Who Pays?

Who pays the brokerage commission on a real estate deal? Is it the buyer or the seller, or both?  Headline news stories about lawsuits are bringing likely change to this question.  But how much change really?  The industry had already prepared for this many years ago.  Nevertheless, the evolution of the process is continuing.  The best thing a buyer can do is be informed.  The best thing a seller can do is be informed.  Besides being informed, the best thing an agent can do is explain and empower consumers.