Short answerYes. No law or association sets real estate fees. Each brokerage sets its own, and you can discuss the rate, the term, and what is included before you sign. Sellers and buyers each agree to their own agent's compensation in writing, and a seller can agree to pay some or all of a buyer's agent's fee.
What usually affects the fee
- The home's price and how much work the sale is likely to take.
- Whether you are also buying with the same agent.
- The services included, from photos to inspection negotiation.
- Market conditions and how quickly similar homes are selling.
How to have the conversation
- Ask for the fee and the list of included services in writing.
- Compare net proceeds, not just percentages.
- Ask what happens if the house does not sell or you need to cancel.
For buyers
Your buyer agreement states your agent's compensation. You can ask the seller to pay some or all of it in your offer, and you can negotiate the amount with your agent before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to negotiate an agent's fee?
No. Agents discuss fees every week. Ask plainly and compare what each agent includes.
Can I negotiate after I sign?
Changes after signing require both sides to agree in writing.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Sources
- National Association of REALTORS®, practice changes effective August 17, 2024
- Clever Real Estate, Average Real Estate Commission in Indiana, February 2026 agent survey
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.