Brokerage Fee Charged for Accepted Contracts

[Derek T.]

I was talking to the agent that I am working with as a buyer's agent and she told me there was a $350 brokerage fee that her company charges when contracts are accepted by the seller. The fee is a junk fee but she said it was standard in the industry. I don't have a buyer's ageement with her however I will set one up for each house I submit a contract for. I have no intentions on paying a brokerage fee for accepted contracts. Is there any advice you have to convince her office manager to waive the fee? I tried calling the national office but I didn't get an answer today.

[J Scott]

First, I would talk to a couple other agents in your area to see if it's really standard. If not, I wouldn't pay it unless this agent offered an amazing amount of value to you.

My advice is to say, "I'm not going to pay that fee and I'm not going to sign any agreement that says I have to pay that fee. If you're willing to pay it out of your commission, or if your broker is willing to waive the fee, that would be great. Otherwise, I'll find another agent."