Do I have to pay a Real Estate sales commission?

If you are a seller, the commission will be stated in the listing agreement. I highly recommend AGAINST asking for less than a standard commission. Why? Because Realtors work on commission, if there are 10 properties at one commission and yours at a lower commission, which one do you think they will show? To really spark interest of other Realtors, put an additional ½ point on the buying side. If you are above the norm, you will get first showings.

If a Realtor is willing to list at a commission less than standard, you must wonder what they will be cutting, advertising? marketing? If they can’t negotiate for their own paycheck, how strong will they be at negotiating for you?

If you are a Buyer and you enter into a buyers agreement with an agent, you are assuring them that they will make a fair commission regardless of what the Seller is willing to pay. You may have to pay all or part of the commission to ensure you are being exclusively represented by the Buyers agent during the transaction. Have your Buyers’ agent explain this to your satisfaction.