I know I'm getting ripped off, but how bad is this?

[Paul Clements]

So I recently met a realtor who I agreed to let act as my buyer's agent. She's probably showed me 7-8 properties and has put in a lot of time, been very responsive, etc. I assumed she would be making 2.5-3% commission which obviously is no issue. After I went under contract for a property she sent me a buyer's agreement that not only makes me pay the 0.5% difference between the contract's 2.5% and 3% (which will be about $800 extra), but also charges a $999 'administration fee.' I've seen $295, even $495. $1000 seems extreme, especially when I'm already coming out of pocket $800 extra, so I'm getting hit for $1800 extra. Can I go through with the deal without signing the buyer's agreement? Can this fee be negotiated? Her brokerage already takes 50% of her commission, so they're getting more than enough for the work they're putting in.

Complicating factor is that we've been hanging out on a personal level and went out a couple times and are still talking. The other factor is that I'm currently taking my agent's course and supposedly I can hang my license there initially (though it's not ideal for a few reasons: A) kind of far from me B) I don't want to charge my clients that fee; I'm not looking for a lot of retail business and am mainly just doing it to represent myself/my company though).

[Zachary Inman]

For Agents who get a lot of business, it's typical to charge an admin fee. $1k seems a little extreme though! The main thing to keep in mind is that everything on the buyer's agreement is negotiable. There is no "set rate," it can go down. I would dust off my copy of "never split the difference" by chris voss and negotiate a lower fee.

Or you could just bite the bullet if it's not worth the hassle to you.