Answers by Brett Holmes

That’s a fair question, and you’re right that most business transactions involve some level of negotiation. In real estate, compensation is typically negotiable, but it’s also important to understand what services and expertise you’re receiving in return. A good starting point is simply asking the agent to walk you through their commission structure and what it includes. For example: “Can you explain how your commission works and what services are included?” That conversation often gives you a clearer picture of the marketing strategy, negotiation experience, and level of service they provide. Also keep in mind that the lowest commission doesn’t always produce the best outcome — an experienced agent can often negotiate a higher sale price or better terms that more than offset the difference. If you have specific questions about how this works in practice, feel free to reach out.