Advice Topics
- Buying (200)
- Selling (208)
- Renting (41)
- Market News & Trends (12)
- Finance & Legal Info (95)
- Tips & Advice (98)
- Working With an Agent (54)
- Marketing (4)
- Investing (16)
- Affordable Housing (17)
- Green Housing (2)
- Schools (1)
- Remodeling (32)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (27)
- Home Loans (15)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
How much do most real estate agents charge?
What can I expect to pay a real estate agent and can I just sell my home by owner for less?
Asked By Dar N. | Menomonee Falls, WI | 758 views | Working With An Agent | 3 years ago
Answer(2)
Steven Hunt
Real Broker NY LLC
Real Estate agents usually charge 6% . If you pay less majority of times you may have less service. You can try selling by yourself buyt it has been proving that real estate agents sell homes more than whst for sale by owners sell for. The exposure has a huge effect. The marketing has to be great to maximize your profits. A real estate agent will guide you through the entire process, take care of all the marketing and exposure plus net you more.
I can help if you are interested. 518-526-4964 or [email protected]
I can help if you are interested. 518-526-4964 or [email protected]
- 3 years ago
Helpful (0)
Unhelpful (0)
Devin Kroner
EXP, Northern Kentucky
Great question—and one that every seller should be asking.
Let’s start with the big truth up front:
👉 There are no set or standard commissions in real estate.
Every agent, every brokerage, and every situation is different.
That’s why it’s so important to not just ask “What does your fee cost?” but also, “What does your fee include?”
💡 What You Should Know:
Real estate commissions are negotiable by law.
Some agents work on a full-service model, offering extensive marketing, staging, professional photos, negotiation strategy, showing coordination, and personal guidance.
Others may offer limited services—or lower fees—but you may need to handle parts of the process yourself.
It’s common to see total commission (paid at closing) in the range of 2-6%, split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent—but again, this varies.
🧠 Ask Yourself:
What am I really looking for in an agent?
Do I want full-service guidance with marketing, negotiation, and support?
Am I willing to handle parts of the process myself to save on fees?
Do I want the highest possible return—or just the quickest sale?
Then, when an agent presents their fee, don’t be afraid to ask:
👉 “Can you walk me through what I get for that investment?”
Because two agents may charge the same percentage, but deliver very different experiences and results.
🏠 What About Selling By Owner?
Yes, it’s possible to sell your home without an agent (FSBO). But it’s important to know:
FSBO homes often sell for less on average than agent-represented homes (according to NAR studies).
You’ll be responsible for marketing, pricing, paperwork, negotiation, scheduling, disclosures, and compliance.
Many FSBO sellers still end up paying a buyer’s agent commission to attract serious buyers.
That doesn’t mean FSBO is wrong—just that it comes with tradeoffs.
You may save on commission, but you may leave money on the table or face more stress in the process.
🔑 Final Thought:
When it comes to commissions, don’t just shop for the lowest fee—shop for the best value.
A great agent should be able to show you how their service pays for itself in peace of mind, protection, and better results.
Let’s start with the big truth up front:
👉 There are no set or standard commissions in real estate.
Every agent, every brokerage, and every situation is different.
That’s why it’s so important to not just ask “What does your fee cost?” but also, “What does your fee include?”
💡 What You Should Know:
Real estate commissions are negotiable by law.
Some agents work on a full-service model, offering extensive marketing, staging, professional photos, negotiation strategy, showing coordination, and personal guidance.
Others may offer limited services—or lower fees—but you may need to handle parts of the process yourself.
It’s common to see total commission (paid at closing) in the range of 2-6%, split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent—but again, this varies.
🧠 Ask Yourself:
What am I really looking for in an agent?
Do I want full-service guidance with marketing, negotiation, and support?
Am I willing to handle parts of the process myself to save on fees?
Do I want the highest possible return—or just the quickest sale?
Then, when an agent presents their fee, don’t be afraid to ask:
👉 “Can you walk me through what I get for that investment?”
Because two agents may charge the same percentage, but deliver very different experiences and results.
🏠 What About Selling By Owner?
Yes, it’s possible to sell your home without an agent (FSBO). But it’s important to know:
FSBO homes often sell for less on average than agent-represented homes (according to NAR studies).
You’ll be responsible for marketing, pricing, paperwork, negotiation, scheduling, disclosures, and compliance.
Many FSBO sellers still end up paying a buyer’s agent commission to attract serious buyers.
That doesn’t mean FSBO is wrong—just that it comes with tradeoffs.
You may save on commission, but you may leave money on the table or face more stress in the process.
🔑 Final Thought:
When it comes to commissions, don’t just shop for the lowest fee—shop for the best value.
A great agent should be able to show you how their service pays for itself in peace of mind, protection, and better results.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Related Questions
-
Can I get more than one realtor?
You recommended one realtor. Harrisburg is a big area so I would like to have 2-4 to choose from. Thanks.
- Asked by Mickey B.
- 2283 views
- Working With an Agent
- 8 years ago
-
What is an agent’s commission fee?
- Asked by Mike M.
- 2931 views
- Working With an Agent
- 4 years ago