When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s essential to know how the real estate commission works. People tend to think that most real estate agents get paid no matter what, but that’s not the case. This article will discuss how realtors are typically paid in your local real estate market and how much they usually charge. We’ll also look at some of the expenses that realtors have to cover in order to do their job. So, read on to learn more about real estate commissions, whether you’re a buyer or seller!
Average Real Estate Agent Cost
The average real estate agent commission is around 6% of the total sales price, split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Still, it can vary depending on the property type and location. For instance, commissions are usually lower for smaller properties and may be higher in major metropolitan areas. Also, your real estate agent’s commission structure will likely differ if you are working with commercial properties, industrial properties, or vacant land. Additionally, some real estate agents charge a flat fee rather than a percentage commission.
A listing agent who works exclusively with sellers typically makes slightly more than a buyer’s agent, and this is because they have more work to do upfront. They also have to cover advertising expenses, which can be significant. Additionally, listing agents typically don’t get paid until the deal closes, while buyer’s agents usually get paid at the time of offer acceptance.
Who Pays the Realtor’s Commissions?
As the seller, you will typically pay the seller’s and buyer’s agent commissions. The buyer generally doesn’t pay a commission, but they may have to pay other fees, such as a loan origination fee, title fees, closing costs, etc.
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Do Realtors Charge Too Much Money?
Overall, realtors provide a valuable service, and they usually charge a fair price for their services. Below we are going to lay out some of the bills a Plymouth real estate agent has to pay routinely, and we believe these make the realtor fees you pay seem more reasonable. Here are some of the costs realtors incur in their profession that your real estate commission covers:
Advertising
A real estate professional typically has to pay for their own marketing and advertising, which can be expensive.
MLS Fees
In order to list your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and other real estate websites, realtors have to pay fees. Most real estate websites charge monthly or annual fees These fees can add up, especially if you have a high-end property.
Office Expenses
Real estate agents have to cover the cost of their office space, equipment, and supplies. They also have to pay for subscriptions that allow them access to show homes on the market.
E&O Insurance
This is insurance that protects realtors from errors and omissions. It’s important for real estate agents to have this type of insurance, but it can be costly.
Licensing Fees
Real estate agents must renew their licenses every year or every couple of years, which costs money.
Commission Splits With Their Broker
Realtors usually have to split their commission with their broker, so they don’t keep the entire 6% commission. Brokers usually take about 20% of a realtor’s commission from each sale. So, if a realtor makes $10,000, the broker takes $2,000. That’s a big chunk of change!
Continuing Education
Real estate agents have to take continuing education courses to renew their licenses. These courses can be expensive, and they often have to travel to take them. Continuing ed is necessary and desirable so that realtors stay current with the different laws, rules, regulations, and ethical guidelines that govern your local and national real estate market.
Transportation, Cell Phone, and Wardrobe Expenses
Realtors have to cover their own transportation, cell phone, and wardrobe expenses. These costs can add up, especially if they drive a lot or have to buy new clothes for work.
Signage
Those signs that a realtor puts in your front yard are a direct expense incurred by the realtor most of the time. They’re not cheap, and they have to buy multiple. Also, since they’re outside, they get destroyed easily. Plus, they usually have to hire someone to go out and install the post in your yard and then take it out again since they’re large.
Gifts for Their Clients
To touch base with clients and to celebrate closing, many realtors will buy gifts for their clients to generate repeat business. These gifts add up!
Tax Withholdings
Realtors are independent contractors, so they don’t have taxes taken from each paycheck. They have to set aside about 30% of their earnings to account for taxes they’ll have to pay later.
Hiring a Realtor Is Worth the Cost!
Realtors charge a commission for their services because they have a lot of expenses, and they also do a lot for you to get the most out of your sale or purchase! They incur advertising, MLS, office expenses, E&O insurance, licensing, and continuing education costs. They also have to share their commission with their broker and have transportation, cell phone, wardrobe, signage, and gift-giving expenses.
Of course, you should always compare rates and services before hiring a real estate agent. But, in general, you can expect to pay around 6% of the sale price of your home in commissions, split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. That’s the average real estate agent cost for a Minnesota residential real estate transaction. That may seem high, but there are several reasons why realtors are worth the cost, so consider those before ruling out representation.
