When buying or selling property, it's always a good idea to identify any potential costs associated with the transaction. The purchase contract often states who is responsible for each fee. Yet, the purchase contract does not typically address who is responsible for paying real estate agent fees, if they are part of the transaction.
Realtor
A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors, which is an association for real estate professionals. Not every licensed real estate agent is a Realtor. Consumers often apply the term “Realtor” generically to all licensed real estate professionals, which is an incorrect use of the term.
Realtor Fees
When consumers discuss “Realtor fees” they are typically referring to the commissions or fees paid to a real estate professional for representing the buyer or seller in a transaction. If that professional were not a member of the National Association of Realtors, calling that fee a Realtor fee would be inaccurate. Yet, practices involving paying fees to a Realtor or non-Realtor licensee are typically the same.
Commissions
When a property owner lists his property for sale with a real estate professional, he agrees to pay the agent for his services. A common way to pay a real estate agent is by agreeing to pay them a percentage of the sale price at the close of escrow. If the property does not sell, the property owner owes nothing. In these types of listings, the listing agent then offers a percentage of the commission to the buyer’s agent, as compensation for bringing in a buyer. Some listing contracts charge fees to the seller for specific services performed, and the seller pays the agent even if the property does not sell.
Employment
When a property owner hires a Realtor, they enter into a listing or employment contract, where the seller spells out what she intends to pay the agent. If the property owner does not enter into an employment contract with a Realtor, she is not obligated to pay the agent a fee if the Realtor brings a buyer.
Buyer's Agent
If a buyer is working with a Realtor, and wants to look at a property listed by the owner, the Realtor only receives payment if the buyer or seller agrees to pay a commission or fee. Some buyers enter into a buyer-broker agreement with the Realtor, where they agree to pay the agent a commission. The Realtor can also go to the home seller, and ask them to pay a fee to the agent for bringing in a buyer.
References
- National Association of Realtors
- National Association of Realtors. "Membership Qualification Criteria." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "Quick Real Estate Statistics." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "History." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "How to Join NAR." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "2020 Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice." Article 2, Article 12, and Article 1. Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "Use of the Term REALTOR® with a Member’s Firm Name." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
- National Association of Realtors. "Use of the MARKS With a Member’s Name." Accessed Sept. 28, 2020.
Writer Bio
Ann Johnson has been a freelance writer since 1995. She previously served as the editor of a community magazine in Southern California and was also an active real-estate agent, specializing in commercial and residential properties. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University, Fullerton.