If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably wondering what to expect in the form of fees. The good news is that you’re not alone. Most people don’t understand the differences between Realtor and seller’s agent fees. Fortunately, there are several factors you can consider when deciding on a real estate agent’s fee. Read on to learn how to negotiate with a realtor or a flat-fee brokerage. Know more about realtor commission in BC here.
Negotiating with a real estate agent
Many real estate investors will negotiate the commission that their agent receives for selling a home. These fees are often flat rates, but in most cases the real estate agent earns a percentage of the final sale price. The listing agent’s fee is often 6% of the sale price of the home. Whether you’re trying to negotiate the commission amount, or simply want to lower the cost of your transaction, here are some tips to help you succeed.
First, make sure to ask for a lower commission rate. Generally, a real estate agent will work for less if you purchase a home from him or her. However, the same agent may sell a home for you and another for him, which could mean a lower commission rate. This is known as dual agency and is illegal in many states. However, if you’re considering using the same agent to sell a home, ask about the cost of a dual agency.
Realtor fees
The first step in saving money on your home sale is understanding the various Realtor fees. These are the commissions that are split between buyer’s and seller’s agents. These are based on the specific market, and are not set in stone. In addition to listing fees, Realtors also charge a buyer’s agent a 2.5% commission on the sale of their client’s home. The commission rates are usually lower if the seller’s agent is also representing the buyer.
Typically, the buyer pays the fees, but there are some exceptions to this rule. In some cases, the seller agrees to pay the fees, and the seller is legally bound to do so. A motivated buyer might offer to pay for the fees out of his or her own pocket. In these cases, the buyer may even offer to pay the fees themselves, or seek the advice of a real estate attorney. However, sellers should always ask their realtor for details on their fee structure.
Seller’s agent fees
A seller’s agent’s fee is generally set at 3% of the home’s total sale price. Some sellers might balk at the idea of paying such a large commission when they might not make the same profit as they would have in the past. In that case, some sellers may decide to use an alternative agent. Debra Pohl, a realtor in Morningside Heights, worked with Keith Burkhardt, the president of Burkhardt Group. She paid his flat rate of $1,000 to submit her listing to the various real estate databases and managed all open house events, showings, and deal negotiations.
Buyers’ agents may offer lower commissions when the seller’s listing price is high. This may mean less work for the listing agent. Similarly, sellers who wish to save money but not sacrifice quality may want to look for discount brands. The key to finding a good realtor is to compare their services. MLS listings show the fees of both the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. While buyer’s agents typically charge the same fee, the percentage varies from state to state and neighborhood to city.
Negotiating with a flat fee brokerage
The biggest benefit of negotiating with a flat fee brokerage is the upfront cost. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for a flat fee broker to sell your home. However, you should be aware of the fees that are included in this fee. Although you will save money on this upfront fee, you will still have to pay a buyer’s agent’s commission of 2% to 3% at closing. In these instances, you may want to consider hiring a real estate agent who works on a commission.
Some flat fee brokerages offer only the bare minimum of services. They may not schedule showings or negotiate contracts, and they may charge extra for lockboxes and signage. However, they will still list your home on MLS and attract interested buyers. You can also negotiate with them to eliminate these fees, but they are not always willing to offer a large reduction. Besides, a flat fee brokerage offers a more personal service and more marketing opportunities, so they might be the better choice.
