Is normal to pay brokerage fee when buying a property?

[Hector Lewis]

Hello,

I was just wondering if it is normal to pay a brokerage fee when buying a property?  If it is normal, then what is the average that a buyer should pay?

Thanks,

Hector

[Scott M.]

Depends if you are buying on or off market.  if on market typically the seller pays 6% and that is 3% per side (buyers agent gets 3 sellers agent gets 3).  In low dollar areas it is common for agents to have a min. commission so if the 3% doesn't cover the min. charged by the buyers agent then the buyer is typically responsible to make up the difference.  

If it is off market, wholesale etc it is very common for the buyer to pay their side and the seller to pay their side.  That varies widely, some charge 3% still, some charge their minimum commission and if in bulk some will charge a fee per door.