Making Sense of the Real Estate Commission-(Without the Boring Lecture)
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Buying or selling a home already comes with enough stress — movers, packing tape, inspections, appraisals… do you really want to add “mystery math” to the list? Probably not. That’s why let’s break down how real estate commissions actually work, in plain English (and with a little coffee ☕).
💡 Quick note: If you’re already thinking about buying or selling and want the no-boring-lecture version for your own situation, reach out here. I promise plain English or German and maybe even a bad joke.
What Is a Commission, Really?
A real estate commission is simply the fee paid for professional services when buying or selling a home. In Maryland, the customary range is 5–6% of the sales price, but here’s the key: it’s always negotiable.
👉 Translation: There’s no law that says, “Thou shalt pay 6%.” It depends on the market, the property, and the agreement between you and your agent.
What’s Changing in 2025?
The NAR settlement shook things up. Starting in 2025:
Buyer-agent compensation will no longer be pre-set in the MLS.
Buyers will negotiate and agree directly with their agent on what they’ll pay (as it’s always been in Maryland through the Buyer/Broker Agreement).
Sellers are not automatically expected to pay the buyer’s agent (never have been in Maryland) — but they can if they choose.
👉 Bottom line: Commissions were always negotiable, but now the way it’s disclosed and agreed upon is shifting.
Why Agents Get Paid That Way
Commissions cover more than unlocking doors at showings. They include:
Marketing your property (photos, ads, open houses, MLS listings)
Negotiation skills (getting you the best terms)
Compliance (all the paperwork that keeps you out of legal hot water)
Time, gas, phone calls, texts, emails… and yes, a lot of coffee ☕
👉 Thinking about selling your Maryland home? Let’s chat about what commission could look like in your case (spoiler: it’s not as scary as people think). Click here to connect.
Myth-Busting
❌ “Agents pocket all the money.” (Nope. Brokerages, marketing, and Uncle Sam all take a cut.)
❌ “Commission is set in stone.” (Nope. It’s negotiable.)
❌ "Agents always get paid." (Nope. The agent who has signed a buyer/broker agreement gets paid)
✅ Bottom line: Commissions aren’t some mysterious fee—they’re how real estate pros (like me 👋) keep the process moving smoothly for you. If you’re curious about what this means for your home sale or purchase, no boring lecture, guaranteed.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer or tax advisor. I'm a licensed Real Estate Agent. This post is intended for general informational purposes only. Always confirm details with your title company, attorney, or the Maryland Real Estate Commission.
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