How Much Commission Does a Realtor Make Explained

Selling your home is a major decision, and choosing the right option can feel overwhelming when trying to maximize value. Understanding each selling method—from DIY to professional support—matters whether you’re preparing to sell or exploring options. Traditional real estate commissions reduce your equity, prompting many homeowners to question how much agents make and whether it’s worth it. Modern tools like flat fee MLS services now help homeowners sell smarter, faster, and more profitably. Let’s break down your options and find the approach that best aligns with your goals.

Understanding Your Home Selling Options

The moment you decide to sell your home, you’re presented with four main paths: selling it yourself (commonly known as For Sale By Owner or FSBO), using a flat fee MLS service, partnering with a discount realtor, or hiring a full-service real estate agent. Each of these options carries distinct advantages—and clear drawbacks. Depending on your timeline, experience, and willingness to take a hands-on role, one model might offer far greater benefits than the others. What remains universal, however, is the importance of visibility. Serious buyers—and their agents—almost always use the MLS as their source. No matter your approach, accessing that visibility is essential. So, how do these models operate, and which one unlocks the most value for homeowners?

What Is FSBO (For Sale By Owner)?

FSBO stands for For Sale By Owner, and it offers complete control during the sales process—for better or worse. Sellers who choose this route manage pricing, listing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork themselves, often aiming to save on listing commissions. The appeal is strong: keep more of your profit. But that potential saving must be weighed against reduced visibility and the risk of underpricing or legal missteps. Without MLS exposure or professional tools, many FSBO listings end up sitting idle, relying on platforms like Zillow or neighborhood signs. While it’s empowering, it’s also time-consuming, and even experienced sellers sometimes realize the hidden costs of flying solo. That’s why flat fee MLS often becomes the smarter evolution of FSBO.

How Discount Realtors Compare

Discount real estate agents promise much of a traditional agent’s service—at a reduced rate, usually between 1% to 2%. However, these savings often come with caveats. Lower commissions may result in reduced marketing efforts, fewer open houses, or limited strategic support. While you might save a few thousand upfront, an inadequate pricing strategy or poor negotiation can cost you far more. Additionally, the quality across discount brokerages varies widely. Sellers must scrutinize exactly which services are included and how hands-on the agent will be. In some cases, you’re paying less but also getting less, leading to longer time on market or lower offers, which negates the intended financial benefit.

How Much Commission Does a Realtor Make?

The national average real estate commission is around 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. That means on a $500,000 home, you might pay as much as $30,000 in commissions—money that could otherwise stay in your pocket. That’s why many homeowners begin asking the key question: how much commission does a realtor make, and is it delivering adequate value? Often, these fees cover professional photography, listing services, showings, and negotiations, but in the age of digital tools and data-driven platforms, it’s worth examining if you’re overpaying for tasks you can reliably manage with guidance and resources. That’s where flat fee MLS services rise to the occasion.

The Flat Fee MLS Model Explained

A flat fee MLS service gives homeowners a smarter hybrid: professional-level exposure and support without the traditional commission overhead. Instead of paying a percentage of the final sale price, sellers pay a one-time flat fee to list their property on the MLS—the same database accessed by thousands of buyers and agents nationwide. Delivered online, this approach keeps you in control while unlocking the visibility required for a successful transaction. Services vary by provider, but top-tier platforms offer extras like contract support, pricing tools, and integrated communication. This blend of independence and professional-grade tools cuts unnecessary costs while maintaining home-selling momentum.

Why Flat Fee MLS Outperforms Other Methods

When measuring cost against control, visibility, and actual support, the flat fee MLS model often offers the most balanced value. It removes the commission ambiguity—no more wondering how much commission does a realtor make—because fees are clear and fixed. Homeowners maintain authority over pricing, showing schedules, and negotiations, backed by access to the same MLS network agents rely on. With the right provider, sellers are no longer blindfolded or burdened by inflated fees. They’re strategically equipped to handle the sales process in a modern, informed way that respects both their time and equity. Especially for owners with some selling familiarity or those willing to engage in the process, this model aligns perfectly with today’s buyer behavior.

Why Beycome Leads the Way in Flat Fee MLS

Among flat fee MLS providers, beycome distinguishes itself through a commitment to innovation, transparency, and results. Beycome has helped homeowners close over 18,000 home sales, saving their clients more than $213 million in commissions, with a beycome home sold every 30 minutes. That’s not just convenience—it’s impact. The average seller saves $13,185, and thousands of 5-star reviews reflect the platform’s proven value. Beycome seamlessly blends a user-friendly digital interface with hands-on tools: easy MLS integration, documentation support, intelligent pricing data (through tools like this home value calculator), and real-time communication. Compared to traditional routes or even competitors (see how beycome compares), the difference is not just in price—it’s in freedom and performance. If you’re ready to sell your home and want comprehensive support without commission burdens, view our full range of Flat Fee MLS packages or list your home with beycome today to take control of your sale and keep more of your equity where it belongs—with you.