Understanding Real Estate Commissions
Commissions are Fully Negotiable
When selling your home, one of the most common questions is: How do real estate commissions work? With the recent changes in real estate policies and practices — particularly following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement in 2024 — it's more important than ever to understand how commissions are structured and negotiated.
Traditionally, the total real estate commission is offered by the seller (often 5–6% of the final sale price) and was split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, and this amount was typically offered through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). However, under the new rules, sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent through the MLS, and commissions are now more openly negotiable.
That said, many sellers still choose to offer a competitive buyer’s agent commission to help attract more agents and, ultimately, more qualified buyers. Offering compensation to a buyer's agent can still be an effective strategy — it just now happens more transparently and can be negotiated separately.
Our Approach
When you list your home with us, our commission is fully discussed and agreed upon upfront — no surprises. Our listing commission covers:
- Professional photography
- High-end marketing materials and social media campaigns
- Staging advice and/or virtual staging
- Syndication to top real estate websites
- Showings, open houses, and buyer follow-up
- Strategic pricing and expert market analysis
- Skilled negotiation on your behalf
- Transaction coordination through closing
We will also discuss the option of offering a commission to a buyer's agent, how that may impact your sale, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your goals and your local market.
Only Paid When You Sell
It’s important to note that you only pay commission when your home sells successfully — it’s a performance-based model designed to align our success with yours.
We’re here to guide you through this updated landscape with clarity and confidence. If you have questions about how commissions work or how the new rules may affect your sale, we’ll walk you through every detail — transparently, honestly, and with your best interest at heart.
The Benefits of Offering a Buyer’s Agent Commission
1. Increased Buyer Traffic
Many buyers work with real estate agents, and those agents often help guide them toward listings that are both a good fit and offer compensation. When a seller offers a buyer’s agent commission, it can incentivize more agents to show the property, which can lead to more interest and ultimately a faster sale.
2. Improved Market Visibility
Listings that offer buyer’s agent compensation tend to get more exposure, especially within agent networks. This wider visibility can attract serious, qualified buyers who are ready to make strong offers.
3. Smoother Transactions
Agents help their buyers navigate the complexities of financing, inspections, negotiations, and closing. A buyer’s agent working on a compensated basis is more likely to be engaged and cooperative throughout the process, reducing stress and uncertainty for all parties.
4. More Competitive Offers
When buyers know their agent is being compensated by the seller, they don’t have to build those costs into their offer. This can lead to stronger, cleaner offers with fewer contingencies and better terms for you as the seller.
5. You Stay in Control
The amount (or existence) of a buyer’s agent commission is fully negotiable and transparent. You choose if and how much you’d like to offer, and we’ll advise you based on local market trends and buyer expectations. In many cases, offering a reasonable commission can actually increase your bottom line by creating competition and driving a faster, higher-priced sale.
