Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a homeowner will make. While the end goal is almost always the same—maximize sales proceeds while minimizing complications—the path to get there has evolved. Today’s sellers face more options than ever: listing with a full-service agent, working with a discount broker, opting for a flat fee MLS service, or choosing the For Sale By Owner route. With so many avenues available, it’s important to understand how each option works, what it costs, and more specifically, who pays real estate commission. Homeowners exploring their options should take a strategic, data-informed approach if they want to achieve the best outcome. Let’s explore your choices.
Understanding Your Home Selling Options
Before deciding how to sell, it’s critical to understand what each home selling method entails. The traditional full-service agent, still widely used, handles marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing. Discount brokers offer limited services at a reduced rate. The FSBO method puts all responsibility into the homeowner’s hands, from listing to paperwork. Then there’s the increasingly popular middle-ground: flat fee MLS services. This allows sellers to access the advertising power of the MLS without giving up a significant portion of their equity to commissions. Each approach has clear trade-offs in terms of cost, control, and convenience.
The Full-Service Agent: A Familiar but Costly Standard
For decades, homeowners looking to sell have defaulted to full-service real estate agents. These professionals typically charge a commission of 5% to 6% of a home’s selling price, which is split between the listing and buyer’s agents. For example, on a $400,000 sale, that could mean paying up to $24,000 in commission fees. Most sellers don’t realize that, in the vast majority of cases, the seller pays both sides of the commission. According to standard practice in the U.S. real estate industry, who pays real estate commission falls entirely on the seller, even though the buyer’s agent is assisting the opposing party. While full-service agents bring experience and transaction management, they claim a substantial portion of profit that might otherwise go straight into the seller’s pocket.
Discount Brokers: Less Cost, Less Service
Discount brokers aim to offer a budget-friendly version of traditional real estate services. These providers promote lower commission rates, usually between 1% and 3%, and may substitute human agents with digital tools or transaction coordinators. However, the trade-off is evident: limited home marketing, restricted client attention, and often, a more transactional experience. Many sellers find they’re expected to handle tasks normally managed by their agent, such as hosting open houses or navigating inspections. The reduction in commission doesn’t always add up to significant savings when the sale price suffers due to subpar marketing strategies. Additionally, while commissions may be lower upfront, discount services often come with hidden fees that dilute the expected cost advantage.
The FSBO Model: Total Control, Total Responsibility
Sellers pursuing a For Sale By Owner approach assume complete control over their listing, pricing, negotiations, and paperwork. It can be empowering—theoretically reducing costs by avoiding agent commissions altogether. But going solo is not for the faint of heart. Without access to listing systems like the MLS, exposure is limited. Marketing becomes a personal burden. Pricing too high can deter buyers; pricing too low can leave equity behind. Most importantly, many FSBO homes still end up involving a buyer’s agent, requiring sellers to offer a buyer’s commission anyway—which again raises the importance of understanding who pays real estate commission in the end. While FSBO advocates promote autonomy, the workload and legal risks make it a tough fit for most homeowners.
Flat Fee MLS: The Powerhouse Middle Ground
Here’s where flat fee MLS services shine. This model enables homeowners to list their property on the Multiple Listing Service, the same platform used by licensed real estate agents, for a one-time fee. By listing on the MLS, sellers achieve maximum market exposure, reaching buyers on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. It bridges the gap between FSBO and full-service agency by eliminating unnecessary costs while retaining control. Sellers decide the buyer’s agent commission—usually around 2% to 3%—and avoid the traditional listing agent fee altogether. As a result, they typically save thousands in commissions without compromising visibility. Beycome leads the market here with a reputation for low listing costs and full legal compliance, giving homeowners the competitive edge they need to sell smarter, not harder. A Flat Fee MLS listing can unlock thousands in savings without sacrificing exposure or professionalism.
Why Commission Still Matters: Who Pays and How
The real estate industry standard dictates that the seller bears commission costs, even though agents representing the buyer receive half. This arrangement is rarely questioned, but should be—particularly by sellers exploring commission-free or discounted routes. Flat fee MLS services provide transparency. A seller pays a fixed amount upfront to list, then voluntarily offers a buyer’s agent commission they’re comfortable with. If a buyer comes unrepresented, that’s even more money retained by the seller. Who pays real estate commission becomes a matter of strategic choice, not an involuntary expense. Reevaluating commission structures is long overdue, and flat fee platforms are leading the change.
Why Beycome Is the Leading Flat Fee MLS Solution
beycome was built to reinvent the home selling experience. With over 18,000 homes sold and more than $213 million in commissions saved for customers, the platform stands out not just for what it offers, but how well it performs. On average, a beycome seller saves $13,185—real money that can be reinvested into their next home, savings, or retirement. A beycome home is sold every 30 minutes, showing undeniable demand for a better model. Our platform includes all essential tools: photography, legal documents, pricing guidance through the Calculate Your Home Value tool, and expert customer support when needed. Thousands of satisfied homeowners rate their experience a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Whether you’re selling a condo, a single-family home, or an investment property, beycome offers transparency, tech, and trust in equal measure. Ready to sell your home smartly, efficiently, and profitably? Let’s get started. Visit beycome’s homepage and take control of your home sale with confidence and clarity.
Comments are closed.