Find the Best Realtors with Low Commissions
If you’re trying to sell your home, seeing just how much of your sale price goes toward agent commissions can be a shock, especially when you start doing the math. We’re not talking pocket change. Real estate fees often add up to tens of thousands of dollars, which naturally leads to the question: Do I really have to pay that much? Can I use a low-cost real estate agent to get the same service for less?
Turns out, you
can. More and more people are turning to a low cost real estate agent to help
them navigate the market without draining their budget. These agents still
offer the support you need — help with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and
paperwork — but with more affordable commission options, like flat rates or
lower percentages.
Still, finding
the right agent takes more than just looking at price. You’ll want someone who
knows the local market, communicates clearly, and has a solid track record.
Saving money is great, but not if it comes at the expense of a smooth
transaction or a strong sale.
In this blog,
we’ll explore how commission structures work, what qualifies as a “low” rate,
and how to find a quality agent who fits your budget and your needs.
How real estate
commissions work
Agents are paid
through commissions, which are their earnings for helping you complete a home
sale or purchase. The standard has hovered around 6% of the final sale price
for a long time, and that’s usually split between the listing agent and the
buyer’s agent. This means if a home sells for $400,000, each agent might walk
away with around 3% (though the exact split can vary).
If they’re
working under a brokerage, a portion of their commission goes to that broker, often
around 30%. Newer agents or those on teams may earn even less, sometimes just
50% of their share. On top of that, agents usually cover upfront costs like
photography, listings, and advertising out of their own pocket, hoping to
recoup those expenses once the home sells.
Understanding
where that commission goes helps put things into perspective. It also raises
the question many sellers are now asking: if an agent is earning less and
you're covering some of the heavy lifting, is it possible to find a low cost real
estate agent who still delivers real value, without the full
6% fee?
What counts as a low commission?
There’s no strict
rule for what makes a commission “low,” but most people consider anything under
4% to fall into that category.
On average, a
listing agent earns around 2.5% to 3% of the sale price. So if the rate offered
is lower than that, it’s generally seen as a low commission. The same applies
to the buyer’s agent — anything under 2% would usually be considered on the
lower side.
Knowing what’s
considered a low commission can help sellers and buyers spot when they’re being
offered a rate that’s below industry norms. Whether you're buying or selling,
it gives you a clear benchmark to compare offers and weigh the pros and cons
beyond just the numbers.
Benefits of
working with a low cost
real estate agent
●
You still get licensed, professional help
at a lower price.
●
They can help you price your home
competitively.
●
You save on commission without
sacrificing guidance.
●
You’ll have access to the MLS platform.
●
You get support with contracts,
paperwork, and negotiations.
●
Great option if you don’t need extras like
staging or open houses.
●
More money stays in your pocket at
closing.
●
Many are flexible and open to customized
service packages.
●
Ideal for sellers in hot markets where
homes move quickly.
●
You don’t pay for services you won’t use
or need.
What about flat-fee
real estate agents?
Flat-fee agents
charge a set price for their services, so you’ll pay the same amount no matter
what your home sells for. That means you’ll know upfront exactly what you’re
paying, and you won’t lose more money just because your home sells at a higher
price.
If you feel
confident managing parts of the process yourself, then this is the best option.
A flat-fee agent will cover the basics: getting your home listed on the MLS,
helping with paperwork, and making sure everything meets local requirements.
You handle showings, staging, or direct communication with buyers.
Benefits of a
flat fee service
●
Skipping traditional commission rates
could save you thousands.
●
You know exactly what you’re paying
upfront.
●
You stay in control of how your home is
sold.
●
Your home still gets listed on the MLS
like any other listing.
●
You’re not rushed into accepting offers
just to cover agent fees.
●
You still get expert help where it
matters most.
●
You get to keep more of your earnings.
●
No extra costs for services you don’t
actually need.
●
It’s perfect if you’ve sold a home before
or like being hands-on.
●
You avoid paying extra fees that don’t
add real value.
How Real Estate
Corners can help
We’ve helped
countless sellers get their homes in front of the right audience while staying
in control of their sale. Our flat-fee service includes the tools and support
you need, similar to what you'd expect from a traditional 6% agent. The
difference? You save thousands and still get the exposure your home deserves.
Give our team a
call at (612) 483-1230 or fill out our quick form to learn how we can get your
home on Minnesota’s FSBO MLS — professionally, affordably, and with no
pressure.
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