Tuesday, May 28, 2024 / by John Salkowski
Selling Your Home: Should You Pay the Commission?
A recent lawsuit involving the National Association of Realtors has sparked numerous questions about the necessity of paying a buyer's agent commission. While the legal specifics are complicated and widely covered in the news, I want to focus on practical advice for sellers in light of this development.
With 18 years of experience in the real estate industry, I’ve always operated under the principle that commissions are negotiable. They have never been fixed in my office, and this approach remains unchanged.
The lawsuit suggests that sellers are no longer required to pay a buyer's agent's commission. Here’s my advice for sellers facing this new reality: Remember that a buyer's agent is your first line of marketing defense. These agents work tirelessly, often showing 20 to 30 homes before securing an offer.
Offering a commission to a buyer's agent can be an essential part of your marketing strategy. While you are not obligated to pay this commission, I recommend considering it to enhance your property's attractiveness.
If you have questions about listing your property, pricing, or the role of agent commissions, feel free to reach out by giving us a call or sending us an email. There is no obligation, and I'm here to help guide you through these decisions.