When you buy or sell a home, you typically pay real estate agents and brokers a
commission for their services. These fees can vary from state to state, brokerage to brokerage, and home value to home value. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, it’s important to understand who pays these fees and how they work.
The Most Important Part of Paying a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent’s compensation is often paid through commissions. These are a percentage of the sale price of the property they represent. The seller and the buyer each share a portion of this fee, which is then subtracted from the sale proceeds at closing.
The seller typically pays the real estate agent’s commission when they list their home for sale, as well as when they receive a buyer’s offer for that home. At the time of the settlement, a title or escrow company prepares closing statements and writes checks to the seller’s broker out of the proceeds of the sale.
Many buyers are concerned about paying the real estate agent, but it’s really not as big a deal as it may seem. The average real estate agent’s commission is 5.8% of the final sale price, according to HomeLight data. For more info https://www.windycitysolutions.com/sell-my-aurora-house-fast/
This is why so many homeowners choose to list their homes For Sale by Owner (FSBO). If you do decide to sell your home without an agent, here are a few things you can do to make it stand out and attract buyers.
Remove Clutter
When you’re ready to show your home, get rid of as much clutter as possible. Rent a storage unit or find a family member to help you box up anything that won’t be needed in the future. This includes out-of-season clothing, books, decorations, and pretty much everything else that doesn’t need to be viewed by potential homebuyers.
It’s also a good idea to clean out your closets and drawers of any clothes you don’t wear. This will also help your home look fresher and cleaner, as it’s less likely to contain items that aren’t in the best condition.
Be Patient With Offers
Before you make a decision on an offer for your home, consider if the buyer is the right fit for the property. Some buyers are unable to make up their minds and may make offers that aren’t in line with what you want out of the deal. In that case, you might be better off negotiating with the buyer to accept an offer that’s less than what you really want, then countering it later.
You should also make sure to have the house inspected before it goes on the market. This will ensure that the home is in good condition and not in need of any repairs, such as new appliances or flooring.
In addition to being prepared to answer questions about the home’s condition, be sure to bring your real estate agent with you to a walk-through to show off the features of the home and get a sense for how it looks to buyers. This will give your agent a chance to suggest ways to fix any problems or to present potential changes that could increase the home’s resale value.