Buyer pays part of broker fee?

[Kevin Eldridge]

Hi all,

I'm starting to work with a broker on a potential deal at $80k, and from reviewing his "Buyer Agreement", I believe I would be on the hook for $1500 as a buyer:

(a)If the property is listed with a real estate company or licensee, BROKER will accept a fee equal to the fee being offered to cooperating agents; but in any event shall be paid not less than 2.500 % of the purchase/option price (or appraised value if an exchange) of the property, or a flat fee of $ 3,500.00 whichever is greater. If such fee, or any portion thereof, is paid by the Seller or the Seller's agent as a convenience of the transaction, then CLIENT will be credited by BROKER for the amount so paid and shall owe any balance due.

In the scenario here, 2.5% of 80k is $2,000, which doesn't meet the minimum $3,500 as stated above.  In this case, I would be on the hook for $1500.

Is this common?

Thanks!

Kevin