Missing! Home Sellers Tip

Thinking about selling your home—or simply exploring your options? Before you sign a listing agreement, there are a few important facts every seller should understand.

One of the most common misconceptions in real estate is the idea of a “standard” commission. There is no standard commission. Realtor fees are fully negotiable and always have been. Yet many sellers overpay by tens of thousands of dollars simply because they’re told, “That’s our standard rate,” or “I charge 2.5%, and you’ll need to pay another 2.5% to the buyer’s agent.”

If an agent has a reputation of being a top sales person, chances are, that agent is great at selling you on listing with them for a higher commission!

Higher commissions are often justified by references to market expertise, marketing exposure, negotiation skills, and transaction management. While these services do have value, it’s important to understand how homes are actually sold today. Nearly all agents use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which provides equal access to every licensed member. Most modern marketing—professional photography, basic virtual staging, and online advertising—typically costs $200–$500, not tens of thousands of dollars.

In an effort to have you list a property with them, some agents may even claim to already have buyers. The agent will want to charge you both sides of the commission claiming there's twice as much work involved. If the agent really does have a buyer, why would they need to list and market your property? They could save the extra "work involved" and offer you a significant discount.

Selling a home can be emotional, but it isn’t overly complex. Yes, there is paperwork and a significant financial transaction involved, but nothing beyond what an informed seller can understand. To protect yourself, always ensure your contract includes a five-day attorney review clause, signed by both parties. This is standard in most real estate contracts and allows your attorney to identify anything that may not be in your best interest. Your attorney can either cancel the contract or renegotiate that specific item.

From a cost perspective, the true non-commission expenses of selling a home typically total about 3–4%, including taxes, title, and closing fees. With realtor commissions adding another 5–6%, sellers may end up paying 10% or more of the sale price. On a $500,000 home, that can mean $50,000 total, with $25,000–$30,000 going solely to commissions.

Today’s sellers also have access to much of the same data agents use—pricing trends, market statistics, and buyer behavior. The primary tool sellers don’t directly have access to is the MLS, which distributes listings to platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and brokerage websites. In practice, most homes sell because a buyer’s agent already has a qualified buyer and finds the property through the MLS. When inventory is tight, buyer agents may also search sites like Zillow. Simply put: a well-priced home listed on the MLS sells. Professional photos help, but it’s worth asking whether paying 5–6% of your home’s value just to list on the MLS makes sense—especially when that task is often handled by an assistant or office staff.

Smart Seller Strategies
In high-demand areas, a basic Zillow listing combined with offering a commission only to the agent who brings a qualified buyer may be sufficient.

Always hire a real estate attorney.

If you choose full representation, negotiate the commission. In today’s market, it’s rare for an agent to walk away from a well-priced listing.

About Me
I’ve been a licensed real estate broker since 2003 and have worked with several large national brokerages. Today, I own and operate a local boutique brokerage focused on one goal: helping buyers and sellers keep more of their hard-earned money while still achieving excellent results.
If you’re considering selling and want honest, practical guidance—without pressure—I’m happy to have a conversation before you commit. Even if we don’t work together, I’m always glad to answer questions and help you make informed decisions.