Commission Is Negotiable — Have the Conversation Before You Sign
There is no standard commission rate. There never has been one. Commission is negotiable, it always has been negotiable, and the only reason it often is not negotiated is that most sellers never bring it up.
Why the conversation gets skipped
By the time fees come up, you have usually already met the agent, liked them, and mentally hired them. Raising money at that point feels awkward. So the rate on the form becomes the rate you pay, and the difference quietly comes out of your proceeds at closing.
Move the conversation earlier — to the first appointment, before anything is signed — and it stops being awkward. It is simply part of comparing offers.
Four questions to ask every broker you interview
- What is your listing fee, in writing? A number, not a range, and on paper.
- What exactly does it include? MLS and syndication, photography, showings, negotiation, disclosures, escrow coordination — get the list.
- Are there upfront or administrative fees? Transaction fees and marketing fees have a way of appearing on the settlement statement.
- What happens if the home does not sell? And what happens if I want out of the agreement?
The answers that should reassure you
Our own answers are short: a ½% listing fee, no upfront fees, no hidden fees, and no broker fee at all if the home does not sell. We also take a seller-friendly cancel-anytime approach, because we would rather earn your business by performing than hold you to a long-term agreement.
You do not have to list with us to benefit from asking. Ask everyone. The worst outcome is that you find out you were about to overpay — and you catch it before you sign.
Terms are subject to the written Listing Agreement. G. Robert Arnold, Broker — CA DRE #00569840. Serving Los Angeles, Ventura County, San Diego and all of California.
