My Listing Agent Asked For An Upfront Fee, Is That ... - Realtor.com

Q: My listing agent asked for a $1,500 upfront fee to be returned when the property sells. Is this a common practice?
?Anonymous, Saint Paul, MN

A: There is no common practice with commissions or fees. Each office requires their own. If you are not comfortable with it, I would explore other agents.
Matt Laricy is a Realtor? with Americorp Real Estate in Chicago, IL.

A: It is not typical, but not uncommon either. Keep in mind that there are a number of marketing expenses that must be paid for (in advanced) by the Realtor in order to properly market your property. Negotiate terms/conditions that you can both be satisfied with and move ahead accordingly.
Alex Cortez is a Realtor? with Wailea Village Properties LLC dba/Island Sotheby?s in Kihei, HI.

A: In California that is not allowed without service performed, for instance a seller may agree to split cost of advertising with agent., seller would reimburse agent after advertising is placed. Check with your local Association of Realtors or your State Department of Real Estate to verify for your state.
Teri Andrews Murch is a Realtor? with Lyon Real Estate in Auburn, CA.

A: Dear Seller,
I?ve never heard of the practice before. Normally you will pay commissions on a sale at close of Escrow. I would contact the Department of Real Estate in your state and ask about this. Remeber you are always free to choose another broker to sell your house and maybe you should.
Dorene Slavitz is a Realtor? with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Playa Vista/Westchester in Los Angeles, CA.

A: Normally listing agents only get paid if the property sells. They get 6% and offer 3 out of the 6% to another agent that can help them find a buyer. Usually no money is given upfront.
Aram Shah is a Realtor? with Florida Capital Realty in Doral, FL.

A: If the listing agent and/or his/her Broker has that rule, it is permissible. The agent may have some upfront fees or specific marketing project. If it does not sell with this agent, you will need to know what happens with the $. I also tend to charge a fee upfront and charge a lower percent when it sells ? N
Nancy Gastel is a Realtor? with Nancy Gastel Realty in Marietta, GA

A: In the state of California, it is not allowed. You may want to check with your states Board of Realtor?s. They should have a website with FAQ.
David Burke is a Realtor? with Keller Williams Realty in La Quinta, CA.

A: All areas are different. In Oregon where I work that is not a common practice but there in WI it could be. I hope an agent there is able to get you the answer quickly. All brokers have to decide what works for their business practice ? so we all have our own way of handling fees!
Lana Lavenbarg is a Realtor? with RE/MAX Ideal Brokers, Inc.in Grants Pass, OR.

A: Not common but can be done if you agree. It is usually for advertising and marketing expenses. But in my opinion, that is what the commission is for.
Beverly Houlier is a Realtor? with Hilltop Chateau Realty in San Diego, CA.

A: No it is not. Find someone else. Unless there is a specific and reasonable explanation for this request, it should be viewed as a big red warning flag. Best of luck.
Mike Wolf is a Realtor? with Ascent Real Estate in San Diego, CA.

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