What Is the Commission Paid to Sell a Home?

One of the most common questions asked by home sellers is: How much do real estate agents get as commission when selling a home?

Ryan Haley, broker and owner of Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty, gives us the answer. 

How much the agent gets as real estate commission is frequently what prospective sellers ask first, whether through online inquiry or face-to-face discussion. 

The answer is there is no set commission, contrary to what many people may say. All real estate commissions are negotiable. 

Every real estate agent, team, or company can set or negotiate their fee to sell a property. It will be good to remember that fees are going to be different. 

There are some companies that will do zero service, they’re not going to do anything to help you sell your property, no guidance when it comes to negotiations. They could provide a very enticingly low commission. But you also pay for what you get.   

On the other hand, there are companies on the other end of the spectrum. They will provide high-service, high-touch concierge type of real estate service. They will handle everything every step of the way for you and make the process streamlined and painless. And in those cases, you are going to see a higher dollar commission percentage.   

When it comes down to commission, it all comes down to the unique situation of the seller. Things to consider includes what you are selling, how it is going to be priced, what is the condition, location, and when do you need to be in your next property. 

The above-mentioned factors will determine the type of marketing and services you’ll need to be able to not just generate lots of interest, but also to translate into physical showings which will then translate to offers and eventually to contract of sale. 

When looking for a real estate agent to sell your property, it is important to ask them what they can offer when it comes to commission. But it will also be important for that real estate professional to ask you what is important to you. It is all about you, how much time you need, when you want it to be sold, and how to get you to your next property. 

If you have any questions about buying or selling in the Maryland and Delaware market, please call us at 410.524.0919, and let us help you today.