Advice Topics
- Buying (200)
- Selling (209)
- 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
What is an agent’s commission fee?
Asked By Mike M. | 2942 views | Working With An Agent | 4 years ago
Answer(17)
Anna Palasz
Ania Real Estate and Property Management LLC
Commission is always negotiable and every Realtor is bound by their Code of Ethics among other things to help You sell Your Home. A Realtor should be able to disclose and even sign off as to what they are going to do for their commission and do just that. If they don't, You have grounds to change Your Realtor. In this market and if the pricemar is right, most Realtors don't even have time to fully market the property as offers are submitted same day as listing. Feel free to reach out if You have any questions!
- 4 years ago
Helpful (3)
Unhelpful (1)
Steven Hunt
Real Broker NY LLC
It varies. Mine is 6%. Many agents offer different amounts of service. I really care about my client and want to make as much money for them as possible. I go above and beyond when it comes to helping my client. I make sure they have professional photos, maximum exposure from MLS and some of my own marketing paid by me upfront, open house first weekend and much more. I recommend interviewing many agents and find out the pros and cons then choose one.
- 3 years ago
- Helpful (2)
- 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.
Hector Gastelum
The Gastelum Organization
I am a firm believer in Capitalism! Usually discount brokers who charge you 1% (0.5% to them/0.5% to the buyer's agent) will sell a home for less and will stay longer in the market as opposed to an agent like me who charges you 6% (3% for each agent) and I will make sure to get squeeze every possible dollar and then some from a buyer's agent who want to get paid more on my listing. You get what you pay for, but my system nets you more dollars at closing.
- 4 years ago
- Helpful (2)
- Unhelpful (0)
Karen Funk
1st Choice Realty & Associates Inc
The seller agrees to pay a commission, usually a percentage of the final sales price, to the listing broker, who then agrees to pay a cooperating broker ( buyers agent) a percentage of their commission, spelled out in the listing agreement and on MLS. This fee is payment to the agents for representing either the seller or the buyer, and it's how we get paid when a house is sold, Like most everything else, the commission rate is negotiable at the time of listing, and is not a part of the purchase contract between seller and buyer and therefore not negotiated in the sale of the property.
- 4 years ago
- Helpful (2)
- Unhelpful (0)
Jason Craig
Coldwell Banker
Real estate agent commissions are not a fixed, government‑mandated fee—they are a negotiated payment for the professional service you receive. In a traditional residential sale the total commission is often around 5–6% of the final sale price. That figure is then split between the listing brokerage (who represents the seller) and the cooperating brokerage (who brings the buyer) and further divided between the companies and the individual agents.
For sellers, the commission covers the agent’s consultation on pricing and preparing the home, professional photos and marketing, exposure on the MLS and third‑party sites, open houses and showings, contract negotiations, and guidance through inspections, appraisal and closing. A good agent invests a considerable amount of time and money up front to market your property, and they are only paid if the sale closes.
On the buyer side, it’s customary for the seller to offer a cooperating commission to the buyer’s agent as compensation for bringing a qualified buyer and managing that side of the transaction. Buyers typically do not write a separate check for their agent; instead the buyer’s agent is paid out of the total commission the seller agreed to.
Commissions are always negotiable. In some markets you may see lower or higher percentages, and there are discount and flat‑fee brokerages that offer limited service for a lower fee. The right structure for you will depend on your goals, the market, and the level of service you expect. When interviewing agents, don’t be afraid to ask exactly what services are included and how the commission is structured so you can make an informed decision.
For sellers, the commission covers the agent’s consultation on pricing and preparing the home, professional photos and marketing, exposure on the MLS and third‑party sites, open houses and showings, contract negotiations, and guidance through inspections, appraisal and closing. A good agent invests a considerable amount of time and money up front to market your property, and they are only paid if the sale closes.
On the buyer side, it’s customary for the seller to offer a cooperating commission to the buyer’s agent as compensation for bringing a qualified buyer and managing that side of the transaction. Buyers typically do not write a separate check for their agent; instead the buyer’s agent is paid out of the total commission the seller agreed to.
Commissions are always negotiable. In some markets you may see lower or higher percentages, and there are discount and flat‑fee brokerages that offer limited service for a lower fee. The right structure for you will depend on your goals, the market, and the level of service you expect. When interviewing agents, don’t be afraid to ask exactly what services are included and how the commission is structured so you can make an informed decision.
- 3 weeks ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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.
- 2285 views
- Working With an Agent
- 8 years ago
-
What is an agent’s commission fee?
- Asked by Mike M.
- 2942 views
- Working With an Agent
- 4 years ago