Thinking of buying or selling a home? This is a major financial decision that can be very challenging and costly. Many consumers don't consider the factors that go into real estate transactions—especially first-time home buyers—including the location, legalities, and cost. Show The cost is one of the most important factors in the home buying process. That's because it isn't just limited to the purchase or sale price of the home. There are also other costs associated with real estate transactions, including:
Real estate and commissions, which are also known as agent and broker fees, are paid to the professionals who help you either buy or sell your home. Understanding what these costs are and how they are determined can give you a leg up on the process of buying or selling your home. Key Takeaways
Real Estate Agent vs. Real Estate BrokerMost people believe there's no difference between a real estate agent and a real estate broker. And that isn't necessarily untrue. While there may be some similarities between them, there are subtleties that set real estate agents and brokers apart. Real estate agents are professionals who bring buyers and sellers together. As such, they help consumers buy and sell their properties and are paid a commission for their services. They are licensed by the state in which they do business. Some of their duties include:
In order to qualify for a real estate license, agents must take classes and pass an exam. Agents must be sponsored by brokers before they can begin their careers. Real estate brokers, on the other hand, are professionals who further their education to get specialized licenses. This allows them to start their own firms and work independently. If they choose, they can also bring real estate agents and associates to work under them. Their duties and responsibilities are the same as agents. There are generally three different broker tiers. As noted, they all have the same responsibilities as agents. But their functions may differ:
They get paid by collecting commissions on the deals they execute but also receive a share of the commissions from their agents' sales. FeesSince agents work for commissions, they’re only paid when a home sells and don’t receive payment until after settlement. That agent is going to work hard for you. Real estate commissions are negotiable. But most agents charge a commission of 5% to 6%. This means a transaction involving a $100,000 home results in a $5,000 commission at 5%. In most states, the fee is normally paid by the seller—the buyer won't be responsible for this charge. The sales commission passes through a broker first. It is usually split between the sales or listing agent and the buyer's agent, netting each half. So that $5,000 is split into $2,500 for the seller's agent and $2,500 for the buyer's agent. But that full commission isn’t divided just between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The listing broker and buyer's agent's broker also take a share of the commission. If you’re going to hire an agent, it's highly recommended that you research their history. If that agent has a great track record, it might be worth paying a premium, which essentially means paying full commission. If you can’t find an agent with a great track record, then at least attempt to negotiate the commission. The majority of homes are sold with the help of a real estate
agent or broker, with For Sale By Owner transactions taking up an estimated 7% of the market. Agent Tips for BuyersIf you’re buying a home and plan on using an agent, there are several steps to follow to ensure you’re making good decisions:
Agent Tips for SellersIf you’re selling a home, you can also choose not to use an agent. Pricing is the key to success if you’re selling a home on your own. You can hire an independent appraiser for around $200 to ensure you’re pricing the home correctly. But how much money will you save? Let’s assume you would have used an agent and paid a 6% commission for a $200,000 home. That’s a whopping $12,000. If you used an independent appraiser for $200, plus let’s assume $200 for advertising, then you just saved $11,600. That's much more money in your pocket. Selling your home without an agent has its challenges, though, and it's important to keep this in mind. This includes the time spent as well as the expertise needed to navigate real estate procedures and contracts. And if you have an unusual property or if the market is soft, you could be in for a long wait. Who Pays Real Estate Agent Fees?In most states, the seller is normally the party responsible for paying real estate agent fees. These fees, which are also called commissions, are split equally between the seller's and buyer's agent. How Much Are Real Estate Agent Fees?The average real estate agent commission ranges anywhere between 5% and 6%. Keep in mind, though, that these fees are negotiable. If you're using a top-tier broker or agent, it may be worth it to pay the full commission as they will probably work as hard as they can to get you the best deal possible. Who Pays Real Estate Agent Fees at Closing?Fees paid at closing are called closing costs. These costs include any charges related to the closing of the transaction, such as loan underwriting and origination fees, taxes, title filing fees, and insurance premiums. They may also include real estate commissions. These fees may be paid by either the buyer or seller or they may be split between both parties. The Bottom LineBuying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will make. It's important to understand how real estate agents on each end of the deal get paid. That way you can decide if hiring an agent or going it alone is the best choice for you. |