Is it offensive to negotiate the commission?

Aaron, worth knowing before you read the rest of this thread: nearly every answer here was written before August 2024, and the rules changed that month. Some of what you are reading describes a system that no longer operates. The short answer to your actual question is no, it is not offensive, and any agent who acts offended has told you something useful about how they will handle negotiation on your behalf. Here is what actually changed, because it reframes your question entirely. As of August 17, 2024, an agent working with a buyer has to sign a written buyer agreement with you before they can take you to see a home. That agreement has to state, specifically and conspicuously, what they will be paid or how the amount gets determined. Not a vague reference, an actual number or formula. So the conversation you are worried about having is now a required conversation. It is on the form. You are not being awkward by raising it, you are doing the thing the paperwork exists to make you do. The second change: offers of compensation can no longer be published on the MLS. That was the mechanism that quietly made one number look like the number. It is gone. Compensation is still negotiable off-MLS, but nothing is preset and nothing is displayed. And the context that makes this make sense: these changes came out of antitrust litigation alleging that industry rules inflated commissions. NAR paid $418 million to settle. The entire point of the outcome was that these fees are negotiable and always were. So the premise of "is it offensive" is backwards. Commissions are not set by law, they never have been, and a court fight was just resolved on exactly that point. Now the practical part, because how you negotiate matters more than whether you do. Ask what you get for the fee before you ask about the fee. Professional photography, floor plan, video, paid placement, print, open house schedule, agent outreach, what happens if it does not sell in thirty days. Get it in writing. Then you are comparing value, not just price, and you will find agents differ enormously. Interview more than one. Three is plenty. You will learn more from the differences between them than from any single conversation. Understand what you are negotiating. Your listing agreement covers what you pay your agent. What, if anything, is offered to a buyer's agent is now a separate decision you make, and it is worth a real conversation rather than a default. Ask your agent to walk you through the tradeoff honestly. And here is the thing to actually watch for. The agent who instantly cuts their fee with no discussion just showed you their negotiating style. That is the person who will be representing you against a buyer's agent on the biggest number in your life. I would rather work with someone who says "here is what I charge and here is exactly what you get for it," and then holds it. That person will hold your price too. Ask directly, ask early, and pay attention to how they answer rather than just what the number is. I am a real estate professional, not an attorney, and I am not licensed in Idaho, so confirm the specific forms and agency rules with a Boise agent. My name is Zoltan Peresztegi and I work in Los Angeles, the South Bay and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, so I am not your Boise agent. If you would like an introduction to a few strong ones there so you can actually run the comparison I described, message me and I will make it. Zoltan

Not at all. It's perfectly reasonable to discuss and negotiate commission before signing a listing agreement. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and most experienced agents expect clients to ask questions about their fees and the services they provide. The key is to approach the conversation respectfully. Rather than focusing only on the lowest possible commission, ask what services are included and how the agent plans to market your home, negotiate on your behalf, and manage the transaction. This helps you evaluate the overall value you're receiving. Remember, the lowest commission doesn't always result in the best outcome. An experienced agent with a strong marketing strategy and negotiation skills may help you sell for more or avoid costly issues, which can more than offset any difference in commission. A good agent should be happy to explain their value, discuss their fee structure, and work with you to reach an agreement that both parties are comfortable with. Juan Picos, Realtor

Not at all. It's perfectly reasonable to have an open conversation about commission. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and most experienced agents expect clients to ask questions about their fees and the services they provide. Rather than focusing only on the lowest commission, consider the overall value you're receiving. Ask what marketing, negotiation, pricing strategy, professional photography, open houses, communication, and transaction management are included. Sometimes an agent who charges a little more can help you sell for a higher price or avoid costly mistakes, resulting in a better overall outcome. A good agent shouldn't be offended by a respectful discussion about compensation. If an agent can't adjust their fee, they should be able to clearly explain the value they provide and why they charge what they do. The goal is to find someone whose experience, service, and pricing align with your needs. The best agent isn't necessarily the cheapest—it's the one who gives you confidence that they'll represent your interests and help you achieve the best possible result. Juan Picos, Realtor

Not at all. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and most agents expect the conversation. Rather than focusing only on the percentage, ask what services are included and the value they provide. The best choice isn't always the lowest commission—it's the agent who will help you achieve the best overall outcome.

No, it’s not offensive. Commissions are negotiable. Most agents expect the conversation. Just approach it respectfully. Ask what’s included, how they market, and what they actually do to earn it. Then discuss the fee based on the value they’re providing. Where it goes wrong is when someone only pushes for the lowest number without understanding the service. Simple way to think about it. Good agents aren’t offended by the question. They’re confident explaining their value.

Its not offensive, but do keep in mind you generally get what you pay for. Discount agents can only operate at volume to be sustainable, which means that they will not have the resources to be super active in responses and customer service. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

It's not offensive at all. Commission is a business negotiation, not a personal insult. Any professional agent expects it. Think about it this way. You negotiate the price of your home with buyers. You negotiate the terms of your contracts. Commission is just another term of the business relationship between you and your agent. Agents who get offended by a commission conversation are agents who aren't comfortable defending the value they provide. That said, approach it as a conversation, not a demand. Ask the agent what's included in their commission. Marketing budget, professional photos, staging consultation, transaction coordination, their time and availability. Understand what you're paying for before you negotiate the price down. An agent who charges 5 percent and includes a full marketing package, professional photography, and hands-on service may deliver a better net result than one who charges 3 percent and puts your home on the MLS with phone photos. Where you have the most leverage is on higher-priced homes. The commission on a $600K home is significantly more than on a $250K home, and the work involved isn't proportionally more. Many agents are willing to adjust their rate on higher price points because the dollar amount still works for them. The agents who will serve you best are the ones who can confidently explain what their commission pays for and why it's worth it. If they can't articulate their value, the rate isn't the problem.

No — it’s not offensive to ask about commission. Real estate commissions are negotiable, and a good agent understands that clients want to understand the cost of selling their home. That said, the conversation shouldn’t only be about how little you can pay, but rather what value you’re receiving. A great real estate agent typically invests significant time and money into selling a home. This often includes: • Professional photography and video • 3D tours and floor plans • Online marketing and advertising • Open houses and showings • Negotiation with buyers and agents • Managing inspections, repairs, and closing details Many agents pay for these services before the home even sells, so the commission helps cover both the marketing investment and the work involved in getting you to the closing table. Instead of focusing only on commission, a better approach is to ask: • What services are included in your commission? • What marketing will you invest in my home? • How do you help sellers maximize their final sale price? The reality is that the cheapest agent is not always the best value. A strong agent with a proven strategy can often net a seller more money in the end, even if their commission is slightly higher. Most experienced agents appreciate an open and respectful conversation about fees, and the right agent will clearly explain the value they bring. If you're selling in New Hill, Apex, or the surrounding Triangle area, I’m always happy to walk sellers through exactly how my marketing and pricing strategy works. 📞 Martin J. Burke – Realtor® NorthGroup Real Estate 919-609-6842 📧 [email protected] 🌐 martinjburkerealtor.com Professional marketing. Proven results. Call Martin today — you’ll be glad you did.

Absolutely not. Not every agent provides the same level of service or experience. When hiring an agent you should evaluate their track record, history of sales and the types of services they provide as part of their fee (especially) with listings. More often than not you get what you pay for. The agents that have a great track record and charge top of the market usually also net their clients more money making small changes in commission negligible in the overall net sheet.

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

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.

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.

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".

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

I understand you want to save money but you get what you pay for.

No offense taken! Everything is negotiable. Good Luck!

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.

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.

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....