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Is it offensive to negotiate the commission?
Is it offensive to negotiate the commission? Obviously, I want to pay as little as possible, but I also don't want to offend my future agent. I understand that they need to get paid and I want them to enjoy working with me and have my best interest.
Asked By Aaron B | Boise, ID | 2002 views | Working With An Agent | Updated 4 months ago
Answers (17)
Lisa and Greg Harris
eXp Realty, LLC
I would recommend interviewing agents to determine the one that is the right fit for you and then concentrate on who will get you the highest NET for your property based on their negotiation skills to benefit you. The 1st thing I would ask... is if they are willing to negotiate away their own income how quickly will they negotiate away your net profits? If the agent will not stand for their own income, they will certainly not stand up for you with strong negotiation skills. Just something to think about when interviewing agents....
- 3 years ago
Helpful (3)
Unhelpful (0)
Melissa Key
Woodland Realty, Inc.
Hello Aaron. Agents and Brokers get asked to negotiate their commissions very often. I often answer with this question: Do you negotiate with your physician when you visit them? Do you negotiate with your Dentist, CPA, Financial Planner or any other professional? Likely not. Agents work very hard and often behind the scenes. The bulk of the work for you to sell your home is often done during the negotiation phase and the time between contract and closing. When you are asking for a reduced commission do consider that you may in turn get reduced services on marketing your home. The trade off is rarely worth it. I personally just paid a Realtor I hired to sell some recreational property 8%. His expertise was invaluable and he got more for the sale because of the contacts he knew. I hope this helped.
- 3 years ago
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Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Not at all. Many clients ask about commission and it is a normal part of the conversation. A good agent will explain what is included in their service and help you understand the value you are getting.
- 3 months ago
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Marty & Abby Champagne
RE/MAX Market Place
I understand you want to save money but you get what you pay for.
- 3 years ago
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Brian DiMaggio
Atlanta Communities
I would find an agent that will do what it takes to negotiate and get you the most for your property. Typically, the more you make the more they do, so that is incentive for them to get the most they can on your behalf. If they accept less commission, they may be less motivated.
- 3 years ago
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Claudia Looi
Keller Williams Landmark II
It is not offensive to ask about commission. Agents expect that question. I think the key is to discuss it respectfully and understand what services and value the agent provides. A good agent will explain what is included and how they help you achieve the best result.
- 3 months ago
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Meredith Kronenberg
Howard Hanna
Real estate commissions are not fixed by law.
They are negotiable, and the amount is agreed upon before you sign a listing agreement. Keep in mind, what are you getting for that commission price. Is the agent just putting a sign in the yard and entering it into the MLS? What type of marketing, how often, open houses, their data base, their network of contractors...the list goes on and on. And they don't get paid until your home sells...meaning all of their marketing, professional photos ect comes out of their pocket. If the home doesn't sell, they are out significant funds.
Hire a cut rate realtor and get cut rate service. You are most likely selling your most valuable asset. Do you want to trust someone that is willing to do it for way less than someone else. Ask yourself "Why".
They are negotiable, and the amount is agreed upon before you sign a listing agreement. Keep in mind, what are you getting for that commission price. Is the agent just putting a sign in the yard and entering it into the MLS? What type of marketing, how often, open houses, their data base, their network of contractors...the list goes on and on. And they don't get paid until your home sells...meaning all of their marketing, professional photos ect comes out of their pocket. If the home doesn't sell, they are out significant funds.
Hire a cut rate realtor and get cut rate service. You are most likely selling your most valuable asset. Do you want to trust someone that is willing to do it for way less than someone else. Ask yourself "Why".
- 1 month ago
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Jaden Utter
Plum Tree
No. It’s a business decision, not a personal one. Some agents are flexible, some aren’t, and services can vary. The important part is understanding what you’re getting for the commission and making sure expectations are clear up front.
- 2 months ago
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Edward Behr
Behr and Behr of The Platinum Group, Eealtors
No, it’s not offensive—but how you approach it matters.
Commission is negotiable, and most agents expect the conversation to come up at some point. The key is understanding what’s included. Lower commission often means reduced marketing, fewer services, or less hands-on support.
The real question isn’t “Can I negotiate?” but “What am I giving up if I do?” A professional agent should be able to clearly explain their value and how compensation ties into results.
Commission is negotiable, and most agents expect the conversation to come up at some point. The key is understanding what’s included. Lower commission often means reduced marketing, fewer services, or less hands-on support.
The real question isn’t “Can I negotiate?” but “What am I giving up if I do?” A professional agent should be able to clearly explain their value and how compensation ties into results.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
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Brinda Griffin
Griffin Realty Llc
No offense taken! Everything is negotiable.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
- 3 years ago
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Jake & Yuliana Bond
RSVP Real Estate
Some agents will take offense but ultimately you will want to evaluate what the best situation is for you. I recommend bringing your goals and needs up immediately when you are interviewing agents and then allow them to make the decision on if they will be a good fit for you. If you try to negotiate on the back end after the work has already started you will find agents may start to slip in their quality. If everyone knows what is expected and agrees on terms then there is less likely for an event where your best interests are at stake.
- 3 years ago
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Troy Moultrie Treasured Properties
Real Broker
Every agent is different. I have 3 Tiers, and each Tier comes with different services. Your the client and we like to give options and solutions. If you want cheap and fast, it is never good. If you want good and fast, it's not going to be cheap. If you want cheap and good, it's not going to be fast... Interview agents in your area and see what they offer, ask about their marketing approach, if they have a data base of active buyers etc. Don't ask how long in business, you would be suprised how many agents have been doing it for years but their average home they sold per year is 1. Instead ask how many transactions they do a year, this is how you find out if they truly are a full time agent and dedicated to getting your home sold.
- 1 month ago
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Ana Warmke
Keller Williams Heritage
Agents that are quick to discount their commission are usually not the best to negotiate your money! If you have a great agent then you will end up getting more money for your home. I do think you need to take your time and make sure you choose an agent with experience!
- 2 months ago
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Penn Henderson
NextHome Paradise Realty
Great question, Aaron, and honestly, it speaks well of you that you're thinking about it this way.
The straightforward answer: no, it's not offensive to ask. Any experienced agent has had the conversation before and won't flinch at a respectful discussion about compensation. What matters is how you approach it.
That said, here's my honest take as someone who's been doing this a long time on the Big Island:
Commission reflects service level. Selling real estate, especially in a market like Hawaii, isn't a part-time task. I'm talking professional photography, targeted marketing, MLS exposure, open houses, negotiations, transaction coordination, out-of-pocket expenses, and often months of work before a single dollar comes in. A reduced commission can sometimes mean reduced effort, and in a luxury or complex transaction, that's a real risk.
You get what you pay for. The few percentage points you might save on commission can easily be lost in a lower sale price, a deal that falls apart, or a costly mistake in the contract. A skilled agent more than earns their fee in net proceeds and peace of mind.
My approach: I charge a minimum of 2.5 to 3% depending on the property. I don't cut corners, I don't outsource your listing, and I bring my full effort to every transaction. I'm upfront about that from day one.
So by all means, have the conversation. Just know that the best agents know their worth, and the right agent for you is one whose value is easy to see.
For reference, here's my approach to buying and selling (in Hawaii):
https://pennhenderson.com/buying
https://pennhenderson.com/selling
Mahalo,
Penn
The straightforward answer: no, it's not offensive to ask. Any experienced agent has had the conversation before and won't flinch at a respectful discussion about compensation. What matters is how you approach it.
That said, here's my honest take as someone who's been doing this a long time on the Big Island:
Commission reflects service level. Selling real estate, especially in a market like Hawaii, isn't a part-time task. I'm talking professional photography, targeted marketing, MLS exposure, open houses, negotiations, transaction coordination, out-of-pocket expenses, and often months of work before a single dollar comes in. A reduced commission can sometimes mean reduced effort, and in a luxury or complex transaction, that's a real risk.
You get what you pay for. The few percentage points you might save on commission can easily be lost in a lower sale price, a deal that falls apart, or a costly mistake in the contract. A skilled agent more than earns their fee in net proceeds and peace of mind.
My approach: I charge a minimum of 2.5 to 3% depending on the property. I don't cut corners, I don't outsource your listing, and I bring my full effort to every transaction. I'm upfront about that from day one.
So by all means, have the conversation. Just know that the best agents know their worth, and the right agent for you is one whose value is easy to see.
For reference, here's my approach to buying and selling (in Hawaii):
https://pennhenderson.com/buying
https://pennhenderson.com/selling
Mahalo,
Penn
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Kevin Clark
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners
Negotiating commission is a part of real estate, and as an experienced and trusted Realtor, I welcome open, respectful conversations about it.
What is important is understanding the scope of work and responsibility an agent takes on for you. A real estate agent’s role goes far beyond putting a sign in the yard or opening doors. It includes pricing strategy, market analysis, marketing and staging guidance, negotiation, contract management, risk mitigation, and navigating inspections, appraisals, and timelines.
Commission reflects the experience, strategy, and level of involvement required to protect your interests and your financial outcome. In many cases, strong negotiation and proper preparation can have a much bigger impact on your final results than a small difference in commission.
My goal is always to explain what I do, why it matters, and how it supports your goals—so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
— Kevin Clark, Real Estate Agent and Broker | Southern Wisconsin
What is important is understanding the scope of work and responsibility an agent takes on for you. A real estate agent’s role goes far beyond putting a sign in the yard or opening doors. It includes pricing strategy, market analysis, marketing and staging guidance, negotiation, contract management, risk mitigation, and navigating inspections, appraisals, and timelines.
Commission reflects the experience, strategy, and level of involvement required to protect your interests and your financial outcome. In many cases, strong negotiation and proper preparation can have a much bigger impact on your final results than a small difference in commission.
My goal is always to explain what I do, why it matters, and how it supports your goals—so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you.
— Kevin Clark, Real Estate Agent and Broker | Southern Wisconsin
- 2 months ago
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Elisa Jordan
Keller Williams Gateway Realty
Absolutely not. It is a common question and usually agents are expecting it. You will want to interview several agents when thinking of working with one to buy or sell a home. We are all different and offer different services in out marketing packages. Most importantly, you will want to make sure you are comfortable with the agent you hire. You will not only be spending a lot of time during the home sale/purchase process, but you will also want someone you can form a trusting relationship with. They will be counseling you on your biggest investment and you want to make sure you are comfortable with them. Best of luck!
- 2 months ago
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Macayla Callison
Callison Group Real Estate
That’s not offensive at all — it’s a fair question. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and it’s completely reasonable to have a conversation about compensation. That said, I always encourage clients to look at value, not just cost. A strong agent can often net you more money (as a seller) or negotiate better terms (as a buyer), which can more than make up for the commission difference. The best approach is open communication. A good agent won’t be offended by a respectful conversation — they’ll explain what services, marketing, negotiation strategy, and experience they bring to the table so you can decide what makes the most sense for you. At the end of the day, you want someone who’s aligned with your goals and fully invested in getting you the best outcome.
- 1 month ago
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