Atlanta Local Realtor

Local.  Dependable.  Professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Do I have to pay a commission?

A.  Typically, the commission is paid by the seller if the property, and a total commission amount is agreed when they contract the services of a Realtor®.  There is no legal limit on commission amounts, but the market seems to have settled on 5-8% of the selling price being a fair reflection on the efforts of the Realtor® to promote and sell the property.

When you sign a Listing Agreement, you agree to pay all of the commission to the brokerage you choose to list your property with - the brokerage you list with will describe how much of that commission they will pay to the agent for the buyer in the full listing information.
The only sure way to not have to pay a commission is to sell the property without using the services of a Realtor ®  and sell to a buyer who is also not using a Realtor ®.  However, you will still need to look at loan origination fees, HOA fees, pro-rated taxes and legal fees for conveying the title.  And remember, too, that you’re going to be more or less on your own for writing the contract.

 

Q.  What if I can’t afford to sell my home and pay a commission?

A.  This may sound cruel, but after a surgical procedure you wouldn’t ask the surgeon to cut his rates.  After a successful litigation you wouldn’t ask a lawyer to cut her rates.  Realtors provide a valuable service when they market your home - if you think you can’t afford to sell, talk to your Realtor® because they probably have good advice for you, but please:  don’t ask them to work for free, that’s not very nice.