Intro:

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do real estate agents actually get paid?” — you’re not alone. The topic comes up in nearly every listing appointment and buyer consultation I do here in Columbus.

Let’s clear the air: commissions aren’t mystery money, and they’re not a “bonus” tacked onto your sale. They’re the mechanism that keeps an entire real estate transaction running smoothly — and when done right, they protect your time, money, and sanity.

1. How Agent Commissions Typically Work

In most Central Ohio transactions, the seller pays the total commission, which is then split between:

• The listing agent (who markets and represents the seller)

• The buyer’s agent (who guides and represents the buyer)

So if you’re a buyer, you typically don’t pay your agent directly — you benefit from professional representation for free from your perspective.

2. What That Commission Actually Covers

When you hire a Realtor — especially one who actually knows Columbus, Powell, Dublin, and Evans Farm — you’re not just paying for a sign in the yard or a few MLS photos. You’re investing in:

• Professional marketing: Photos, video tours, targeted online campaigns

• Pricing expertise: Accurate valuation based on local comps

• Negotiation skill: Someone who knows what’s really happening in your submarket

• Transaction management: Contracts, inspections, appraisals, and title

• Network access: Lenders, inspectors, contractors, and off-market connections

The right agent’s commission often pays for itself many times over — in time saved and stress avoided.

3. What About Discount Brokers or Flat Fees?

Sure, you’ll see companies offering to “list your home for less.” But like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Discount models often cut corners on marketing, responsiveness, and negotiation power — the three things that most influence your final sale price.

In markets like Powell, Dublin, and Westerville, where presentation and positioning matter, half-hearted marketing can cost you far more than the few thousand you saved upfront.

4. Are Commissions Negotiable?

Technically yes — every commission is negotiable. But here’s the truth: when agents discount heavily, something’s getting left out.

Ask what’s being cut. Is it professional photography? Marketing reach? Your agent’s availability?

In real estate, experience pays for itself, and working with a professional who knows your neighborhood inside and out is almost always worth the standard rate.

5. The Real Value Isn’t in the Percentage — It’s in the Results

A seasoned local agent understands how to position your property to attract qualified buyers fast. That means shorter time on market, fewer concessions, and stronger offers.

You’re not paying for hours — you’re paying for outcomes.

CTA:

👉 Thinking about buying or selling in Columbus?

Let’s sit down and walk through what goes into a successful sale — and how to make your real estate dollars work harder for you.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, Realtor — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]