Updated November 2026. For sellers comparing a real estate agent fee with a flat fee broker, and buyers asking whether flat fee companies are legit.
A real estate agent fee is usually a percentage of the sale price, and no law, MLS or NAR rule sets it. On the $417,500 US median sale price (NAR, September 2026), each 1% is $4,175. A flat fee broker charges a set price instead: Beycome lists your home from $99, with $0 due at closing.
Flat fee brokers are legit when they’re licensed in your state and put the terms in writing. Compare Beycome’s flat fee MLS packages before you sign a percentage agreement.
Jump to: 💵 Agent fee · 🏢 What a broker does · 🪜 7 reasons · 🤝 Trade-offs · 🏢 How to check one · 💲 $99 vs $5,000 · ❓ FAQ
Key takeaways
- A flat fee broker charges a set price instead of a percentage of your sale price.
- Flat fees range from $99 for an MLS listing to several thousand dollars for full service.
- Check the brokerage license in your state and read what’s included before you pay.
- Buyers can use flat fee or rebate programs too; Beycome’s buyer program has no upfront fee.
Flat fee brokers aren’t new. A 2017 CNBC report on flat fee brokers noted that traditional commissions ran between 3 to 6% on average at the time. Those figures are examples only. Commissions are not set by law or NAR rules and are fully negotiable. Sellers choose whether to offer buyer-agent compensation, and how much. Since August 17, 2024, such offers can’t be shown on the MLS.
How much is a real estate agent fee, and how much commission does a realtor make?
It depends on the rate you agree to and your price. The table turns example rates into dollars on the US median sale price, $417,500 in September 2026. These are examples only: commission isn’t set by law or NAR rules, it’s negotiable, and sellers choose whether to offer buyer-agent compensation (not shown on the MLS since August 17, 2024).
| Example rate | Fee on $417,500 | Beycome Basic instead |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | $4,175 | From $99, $0 at closing |
| 2.5% | $10,438 | From $99, $0 at closing |
| 3% | $12,525 | From $99, $0 at closing |
| 6% | $25,050 | From $99, $0 at closing |
What the realtor takes home is smaller than the fee. The commission is paid to the brokerage, which keeps a share under its agreement with the agent, and the agent pays their own costs from the rest. Our real estate commission by state table shows the same math on each state’s typical home, and typical broker commission, explained covers who gets what.
What does a real estate broker do?
A broker holds the license that lets a company list homes on the MLS, hold deposits and supervise agents. Agents work under a broker. For a seller, a broker or its agents can:
- Put the home on the MLS, which feeds the major home search sites.
- Advise on price, prepare marketing and schedule showings.
- Present offers and work through the contract with you.
- Keep the transaction file the state requires.
A flat fee broker splits that list. Some brokers will also charge by the hour or by the task. It handles the licensed part, the MLS listing, for a set price, and you choose how much of the rest you want help with.
What is a no fee broker?
Usually a broker the client doesn’t pay directly. In rentals, “no fee” means the landlord pays the broker. In a purchase, a buyer’s broker is often paid from the compensation a seller offers. The Beycome buyer program has no upfront fee for buyers.
What are 7 reasons to work with a flat fee real estate broker?
1. You know the cost on day one
A percentage grows with your price. A flat fee doesn’t. If your home sells for $50,000 more than you hoped, you keep all of it.
2. You get the MLS, where agents shop
Only licensed brokers can put a home on the MLS. A flat fee broker gives you that access, and the MLS feeds the major home search sites. Our guide on how to list on the MLS for sale by owner shows how it works.
Speed matters too. With Beycome, a complete, correct file goes live within 2 business days, and often in about 2 hours. A photo shoot, if you add one, is scheduled separately.
3. You keep control
You set the price, approve showings and pick the offer. Every call on price and timing is yours to make.
4. You pay only for the help you want
Some sellers want just the listing. Others want photos, or an expert to negotiate with them. Flat fee packages let you choose. With Beycome, Basic starts at $99 (pricing by state on the flat fee MLS page), Enhanced is $399, and Concierge pricing is on the Concierge page.
5. Tools that used to need an agent are built in
Every Beycome package includes e-signature, unlimited listing updates, ShowingTime scheduling where the MLS offers it, and the Artur AI assistant for offer help.
6. Many buyers come without an agent
About 36% of Beycome sales closed in 2026 so far had a buyer with no agent (Beycome internal data, 2026). In those deals, no buyer-agent fee comes into play at all.
7. Your money stays in the deal
What you save can go to your next down payment, repairs or moving costs. Our commission calculator guide shows the math on your price.
Are flat fee realtors good? What are the trade-offs?
They’re good for sellers who are willing to do some of the work. Be honest with yourself about that part. With a listing-only package, you answer calls, show the home and read the offers yourself.
On Beycome Basic and Enhanced, offer and negotiation help comes from the Artur AI assistant, not a person. If you want an expert who negotiates with you, always on your side, that’s Concierge, our flat fee full-service option. Our experts give full support from listing to closing, and you stay in control of every decision.
Sell smarter
List your home on the MLS from $99
A flat fee instead of a percentage, and $0 to Beycome at closing. You stay in control of your sale.
Sell your home →Buy smarter
Get up to 2% back at closing
On homes listed by other agents, Beycome credits you up to 2% of the price at closing (1% kept, $1,499 minimum; not on FSBO homes or homes listed by Beycome sellers).
Buy a home →Also check the listing term and cancellation terms. Beycome lists for the maximum term the state and MLS allow**, and there’s no cancellation fee*. There’s no refund once the listing is live, though, so pick your package with care.
For other ways to cut the fee, compare 1% commission agents and their alternatives and our list of low commission agent options.
How do you check that a flat fee broker is legit?
- Look up the brokerage license with your state’s real estate commission. The ARELLO licensee database searches many states at once.
- Read the listing agreement. It should say what you pay, when, and what happens if you cancel.
- Ask which MLS your home goes on, and how fast it goes live.
- Ask if any fee is due at closing. Some low upfront prices add a percentage at closing.
- Check who handles offers: software, a person, or both.
Beycome Corp. is a software company; listings go through licensed sister brokerages. Beycome is licensed in 18 states and DC and lists in 17 states and DC. The licenses are on our licensed broker page.
What does a $5,000 flat fee realtor get you, versus $99?
A flat fee in the thousands is usually pitched as full service, with an agent who prices, markets, shows and negotiates. Ask for the written list of services before you sign. A $99 or $399 package buys the MLS listing and tools, with you running the sale. Concierge adds full support from our experts; see the current price on the Concierge page.
| Package type | Typical price | Who negotiates | Fee at closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beycome Basic (MLS listing) | From $99 | You, with Artur AI | $0 |
| Beycome Enhanced (MLS + photos) | $399 | You, with Artur AI | $0 |
| Beycome Concierge (full support) | See current price | You, with an expert on your side | $0 |
| Other “flat fee realtor” full service | Varies by company | Usually an agent | Read the contract |
Whatever you pick, compare the whole package side by side: MLS, photos, listing term, who negotiates, cancellation and the total on your price. A low upfront price with a percentage due at closing can end up costing more than it looks. Ask each company for its total on your expected sale price, in writing.
22,000+ homeowners have used Beycome, saving over $225 million (Beycome internal data, October 2026). Most closed with a buyer’s agent, a title company and a lender on the other side; a flat fee is an alternative to the traditional way, and we work with all of them.
Are realtor fees included in closing costs?
A percentage commission is usually paid from your proceeds at closing and shows on the settlement statement. A flat fee is paid upfront, so there’s nothing more due to Beycome at closing. You still pay normal seller closing costs, like title, transfer taxes and prorated property taxes. See who pays closing costs when selling.
Are flat fee real estate companies legit for buying a home?
Yes, buyer programs work the same way: a licensed broker represents you and is paid from the buyer-agent commission the seller offers. The Beycome buyer program is open to every buyer on homes listed by other brokers. It doesn’t apply to FSBO homes or homes listed by Beycome sellers. There’s no upfront fee. Beycome keeps 1% of the price (minimum $1,499) and credits the rest at closing, with lender approval. On a $400,000 home with 3% offered, that’s $8,000 back. Our FAQ explains how the Beycome buyer program works.
Selling first? Start with a flat fee MLS listing.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a real estate agent fee?
Whatever you agree to; it’s negotiable and not set by law or NAR rules. As an example, each 1% on the $417,500 US median (September 2026) is $4,175.
What does a real estate broker do?
A broker holds the license to list homes on the MLS, hold deposits and supervise agents, and can price, market, show and handle offers.
What is a no fee broker?
A broker the client doesn’t pay directly: the landlord pays in rentals, and a buyer’s broker is often paid from what the seller offers.
Are flat fee realtors legit?
Yes, when the brokerage is licensed in your state. Check the license and read the listing agreement before you pay.
Are flat fee realtors good?
They suit sellers who’ll handle showings and calls. If you want a person to negotiate, choose a full support package like Concierge.
What is a broker flat fee?
A set price for listing services instead of a percentage of the sale price. With Beycome, Basic starts at $99 and Enhanced is $399, with $0 at closing.
Do I still pay closing costs with a flat fee broker?
Yes. Title, taxes, recording and any buyer-agent pay you agree to still apply. Only the listing commission changes.
Can I use a flat fee company to buy a home?
Yes. Beycome’s buyer program has no upfront fee and credits part of the buyer-agent commission at closing, with lender approval.
Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent with a flat fee listing?
No. It’s your choice and it’s negotiable. If you agree, put it in writing with that agent.
Prices as of November 2026 and subject to change. “$0 at closing” means no Beycome fee at closing; other closing costs, taxes, title and any agreed buyer-agent compensation still apply. * No cancellation fee, except Georgia MLS’s mandatory $25; listings under contract can’t be canceled; no refund once the listing is live. ** Listing term: the maximum the state and MLS allow (24 months; 12 in MD and PA). Basic and Enhanced get offer help from the Artur AI assistant, not a person. Current prices by state are on the Beycome pricing pages. Buyer credit: minimum $1,499, lender approval needed; some states limit rebates. Commission figures are examples only. General information, not legal advice.
Sources
- NAR, existing-home sales, September 2026, read October 22, 2026.
- NAR, what the settlement means for home sellers, read October 22, 2026.
- CNBC, flat fee brokers, September 15, 2017.
- ARELLO, real estate licensee verification, read October 22, 2026.
- Beycome, licensed broker page, read October 22, 2026.
- Beycome, listing package features, November 2026.
Disclosure & Disclaimer
Beycome provides real estate services through affiliated licensed brokerages and has a commercial interest in the services and business models discussed on this blog. Content reflects Beycome’s perspective and may promote our services; it should not be treated as independent or neutral reporting.
Articles are provided for general informational and educational purposes only, not as financial, tax, legal, or investment advice or a recommendation for your particular situation. Reading this blog does not create a brokerage, advisory, or other professional relationship.
Information, opinions, pricing, service descriptions, and comparisons reflect the sources and information available when an article was published or last updated and may change. Although we aim for accuracy, we do not guarantee that all content is complete, current, or applicable to your circumstances. Laws, market conditions, and service availability vary by location. Examples and estimated savings are illustrative, depend on stated assumptions, and do not guarantee individual results.
Verify relevant information directly and consult qualified professionals before making decisions. Beycome services are subject to applicable agreements, eligibility requirements, and state-specific terms.
