Table of Contents
Understanding Real Estate Agent Commissions
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1. What is a real estate agent commission?
A real estate agent commission is the fee charged by the agent to both the buyer and seller, or the tenant and landlord, after successfully facilitating a property sale or rental transaction. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the transaction price or rent.
2. What is the commission for buying and selling properties?
The specific commission may vary depending on the agency's policies. Both the buyer and the seller each pay 1% of the transaction price as commission, with the real estate agency receiving a total of 2% in commission. For example:
- Transaction price: HKD 5 million
- Buyer pays 1%: 5 million × 1% = HKD 50,000
- Seller pays 1%: 5 million × 1% = HKD 50,000
- Total commission received by the agency = HKD 100,000
3. For a HK$5 million transaction, what is the agent's actual commission?
The agent's actual commission income is calculated based on a tiered sharing system, not taking the full HK$100,000. It's divided proportionally according to the company's structure. The following chart example can serve as a reference:
| Total Commission (HKD) | Split Ratio | Amount Received (HKD) |
|---|---|---|
| $10,001 – $20,000 | 10% | $1,000 |
| $20,001 – $30,000 | 15% | $1,500 |
| $30,001 – $40,000 | 15% | $1,500 |
| $40,001 – $50,000 | 20% | $2,000 |
| $50,001 – $60,000 | 20% | $2,000 |
| $60,001 – $70,000 | 20% | $2,000 |
| $70,001 – $80,000 | 25% | $2,500 |
| $80,001 – $90,000 | 25% | $2,500 |
| $90,001 – $100,000 | 25% | $2,500 |
Actual amount received: $1,000 + $1,500 + $1,500 + $2,000 + $2,000 + $2,000 + $2,500 + $3,000 + $3,000 = $18,500. After deducting certain internal fees from the real estate company, the agent's final commission is approximately $17,500.
4. How is the commission for rental properties calculated?
The commission for rental transactions is typically one month's rent, with both the tenant and landlord paying half each. For example:
- A unit with a monthly rent of HKD 25,000
- Tenant pays HKD 12,500
- Landlord pays HKD 12,500
- Total commission = HKD 25,000
The agent's commission income will be determined by the company's split ratio. Assuming the agency's split ratio is 30%-40%, then:
- 30%: 25,000 × 30% = HKD 7,500
5. Can the commission be negotiated?
The commission can be negotiated with the agent, but if the commission is too low, the agent may prioritize transactions with higher profits, affecting the quality of service.
6. What is "Bar Jumping"?
"Bar Jumping" refers to the act where a client, after viewing a property through an agent, directly engages in a private transaction with the owner to avoid paying commission. This may involve legal liabilities and one should adhere to contractual obligations.
7. How to handle commission disputes?
It is recommended to clearly state the commission terms in the contract before signing. In case of any disputes, you can seek help from the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) or legal professionals.
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