06/16/2026
Let’s be real for a moment.
Real estate commissions are completely negotiable. Every consumer has the right to choose who they work with and what services they’re willing to pay for.
But it’s becoming more common to hear comments like:
💬 “You made HOW much?”
💬 “Why would I pay a Realtor that much?”
💬 “Must be nice to make that kind of money.”
What many people don’t realize is that the commission you see on a settlement statement is not what a Realtor takes home.
Being a Realtor means being a small business owner and entrepreneur. We don’t receive a salary, paid vacation, health insurance, retirement benefits, or a guaranteed paycheck. We invest in our business every month whether a transaction closes or not.
From every commission earned, there may be:
▪️ Broker splits
▪️ Transaction fees
▪️ MLS dues
▪️ Local, state, and national Realtor association dues
▪️ Licensing fees
▪️ Continuing education
▪️ E&O insurance
▪️ Professional photography
▪️ Drone photography and video
▪️ Marketing and advertising
▪️ Social media promotions
▪️ Signs, lockboxes, and installation
▪️ CRM and technology subscriptions
▪️ Website expenses
▪️ Fuel, mileage, and vehicle maintenance
▪️ Office expenses
▪️ Client appreciation gifts
▪️ Self-employment taxes
▪️ Federal and state taxes
▪️ Health insurance
▪️ Retirement contributions
…and that’s just scratching the surface.
These expenses also don’t account for the countless hours spent showing homes, answering calls after hours, writing offers, negotiating contracts, coordinating inspections, solving problems, driving hundreds of miles, hosting open houses, or working with clients for weeks—or even months—before ever seeing a paycheck.
Some transactions never close at all.
The truth is, not every Realtor provides the same level of service, and not every client needs the same level of service. That’s exactly why commissions are negotiable.
When you hire a Realtor, you’re not paying someone to unlock a door. You’re hiring a professional to guide, protect, negotiate, market, problem-solve, and advocate for you through one of the largest financial decisions you’ll ever make.
This isn’t shared to ask for sympathy. Every Realtor chooses this career knowing the risks and responsibilities that come with it. I simply think it’s important to understand that a commission is not a paycheck—it’s the gross revenue of a business.
To my clients, friends, family, and community: thank you. Your trust allows me to continue serving others, supporting my family, and doing work I genuinely love. I am grateful for every opportunity to be part of your journey. ❤️