What Is A Common Realtor Commission?
You can buy a home or sell your home yourself, but there are major advantages to utilizing a professional real estate agent. When you sign with an agent you are getting their experience in the market and their marketing capabilities. There is, of course, a cost for their experience and expertise. Who foots the bill? What is a common realtor commission? Can the commission be negotiated? All are important questions and in this article we will try to answer them for you.
How Realtors Are Paid?
Real estate agents are paid on the day of closing. Typically the commissions are shared between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. If the agent is both the listing agent and the buying agent, that agent is considered a dual agency.
What Is The Average Commission A Real Estate Agent Gets Paid?
In the United States, the average real estate commission is between 5% and 6% of the sale price of a home. For example, if a home sells for $350,000, the commission on that home will be between $17,500 to $21,000. Keep in mind that this is an average real estate commission. The percentage can fluctuate depending on the state and the market you are buying or selling in. The fewer listings on the market in the area may result in less of a commission percentage because the agents would rather have the listing than compete with others in a tight market.
Although, you can choose to pay a realtor for only services provided if your budget is restricted. However, you’ll be paying by the hour and will not be able to take advantage of all the things they have to offer their clients. It is important to note that each state has specific laws on the minimum a broker can offer to their clients so be sure to check with your local government for specific details if you plan on paying a realtor “a la carte” for their services.
Who Pays For The Real Estate Agent Commissions?
Normally, it is the seller who pays the entire 5%-6% real estate agent commission. Thus, resulting in a 2.5%-3% for each agent in the buying process. The commission itself comes out of the home sale proceeds. However, each deal may be different. Some buyers offer to pay for part of or all of the commission to make their deal look more enticing. Typically, if this is done, the offer price is adjusted as well, so the buyer still ends up sharing in the cost. If the seller does pay the entire commission, the buyers aren’t free and clear of paying anything extra at closing. Closing costs in a home purchase are usually taken on by the buyer.
Can Real Estate Commissions Be Negotiated?
Luckily, real estate commissions can be negotiated. Being a real estate agent is a competitive career. If knocking a little off their commission percentage will get you to sign with them as a seller, many will make that decision. A lower percentage is better than no percentage at all.
You may even find an agent willing to charge you a flat fee for their services if it is allowed in your area. Be it a flat fee or a lower percentage, be sure you are getting what you need from their services before signing with them. If you need marketing assistance be sure that percentage reduction does not reduce the amount of marketing you receive.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes listed with a licensed full-time real estate agent sell for nearly 26% more than FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listings—even after factoring in the agent’s commission. Keep this in mind as you do your research and be sure to ask questions so that you get what you need.
Understanding Average Real Estate Commissions
You should now understand what the average real estate agent commission is, where it comes from, when it is paid and who pays for it. When putting your home on the market consider your needs when it comes to a broker. If you have resources to help you market your home and your local law allows, see if you can find an agent that will only list the home on the MLS. If you are unsure about marketing, paying the commission is probably the best bet. Keep in mind that commissions can be negotiated.









