Who Pays Closing Costs? The Shocking Truth Every Seller Must Know
Who pays closing costs? It’s the question I get asked more than almost anything else at HomeRise, and honestly, the answer catches most people off guard. If you’re selling a home — or buying one — you’re probably bracing for a number that’s going to sting. And you’re right to worry. On a $400,000 home, […]
How to Negotiate Realtor Fees (7 Proven Tips to Save Big)
Why Most Homeowners Never Even Try to Negotiate Realtor Fees If you’re wondering how to negotiate realtor fees, here’s the first thing you need to know: most people don’t. They accept the commission percentage their agent quotes, sign the listing agreement, and move on. I’ve watched thousands of home sellers do exactly this across my […]
The Shocking Truth About Real Estate Agent Fees (And How to Pay Less)
What Are Real Estate Agent Fees, Really? Real estate agent fees are the single biggest expense most sellers never budget for correctly. I’ve watched hundreds of homeowners list their properties through HomeRise, Houwzer, and Trelora, and the number one moment of sticker shock always hits when they see the commission line on the closing disclosure. […]
Closing Costs for Seller: The Proven Guide to Avoiding Brutal Hidden Fees
What Are Closing Costs for Seller — And Why Are They So High? Closing costs for seller hit harder than most people expect. I’ve watched hundreds of home sellers at HomeRise open their settlement statement for the first time and genuinely flinch. On a $400,000 sale, you could be staring down $24,000 to $32,000 in […]
The Shocking Truth About Who Pays Realtor Fees in 2026 (And How to Save Thousands)
So, Who Actually Pays Realtor Fees When You Sell a Home? Who pays realtor fees is one of the first questions I get from homeowners thinking about selling — and honestly, the answer changed pretty dramatically in 2024. I’m David Speers, and I run HomeRise, Houwzer, and Trelora — three real estate companies built around […]
Seller Concessions Explained: The Proven Way to Save Thousands on Your Home
What Are Seller Concessions, Exactly? Seller concessions saved me nearly $9,000 on the first house I ever bought. I didn’t even know they existed until my agent mentioned them offhand during our second showing. That single conversation changed how I think about every real estate transaction I’ve been involved in since — and now that […]
How to Sell My House Without a Realtor: The Proven, Stress-Free Guide for 2026
Why I Tell People: Yes, You Can Sell Without an Agent If you’re wondering how to sell my house without a realtor, I get it. I’ve spent the last decade running real estate companies â HomeRise, Houwzer, and Trelora â and the single biggest question I hear from homeowners is whether they actually need to […]
Listing Agent vs Selling Agent: The Essential Difference That Could Cost You Thousands
The listing agent vs selling agent debate trips up almost everyone I talk to. Someone calls our office, says they want to hire a “selling agent,” and what they actually mean is they want someone to list their house. Or they see “selling agent” on their closing paperwork and assume it’s the person who represented […]
Who Pays Realtor Fees? What Sellers and Buyers Actually Owe in 2026
I get this question at least three times a week. Someone’s getting ready to sell their house, they’ve heard the number 6%, and they want to know: who actually pays the realtor fees? The short answer used to be simple. The seller paid both agents — theirs and the buyer’s. But after the NAR settlement […]
2% Commission Realtors: What They Don’t Tell You (2026 Guide)
What Are 2% Commission Realtors — and Are They Actually Worth It? If you’re looking into 2% commission realtors, you’ve probably done the math already. On a $400,000 home, the traditional 5-6% commission structure costs you $20,000 to $24,000. Drop that to 2% on the listing side and you’re looking at $8,000 instead. That’s a […]