Realtor fees when closing

[Eric Lawson]

Looking to invest in my first property and found a deal on the MLS and request a realtor to show me the property. The realtor agreed but has a flat fee of $1200 is this normal for Baltimore realtors I'm accustom to maybe $300-500 and % commission.. Is this normal or is the agent looking for a quick $1200 from a new investor?

[Sebastian E.]

Hello @Eric Lawson I have heard of agents charging an upfront fee in Baltimore and then crediting it back to the buyer at closing if they make a purchase. I don't do it, but I don't think it is a bad strategy.

With the flat fee, because prices are so low in Baltimore, we do have a flat fee for all transactions under 100k. All respectable agents who I have come across have a flat fee. There are ones who will do lower dollar transactions without one but if they don't really value their own time then you should question whether they have the competence to get you through the transaction. We will bend on our flat fee if it is a person buying a flip for example since there is a larger commission the back end.

Happy investing.

Seb