2% Commission Realtors: What You Actually Get (And What You Don’t)
If you’re selling a home in 2026, you’ve probably seen ads for 2% commission realtors and wondered: is this legit, or is there a catch? The short answer is yes, 2% commission realtors are real — but what you actually get for that 2% varies wildly depending on who you hire. I’m David Speers, and […]
2% Commission Realtors: Are They Actually Worth It in 2026?
2% commission realtors charge about a third less than the average listing agent — and on a $400,000 home, that gap puts roughly $3,500 back in your pocket at closing. After years in prop-tech watching sellers overpay for basic listing services, I think 2% is a step in the right direction. But it’s not the […]
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $500,000 Sale? (2026 Breakdown)
The Short Answer: Less Than You Think So how much does a realtor make on a $500,000 sale? The quick math looks generous — at the current national average commission of 5.70%, that sale generates $28,500 in total commissions. But the agent who listed your home doesn’t pocket $28,500. They don’t even pocket half of […]
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in 2026? The Real Breakdown
The Short Answer: 8% to 10% of Your Sale Price How much does it cost to sell a house in 2026? Most sellers budget for agent commissions and call it a day. But the real cost of selling a house — once you add up commissions, closing costs, repairs, and the dozen other line items […]
What Are Seller Concessions? A Seller’s Complete Guide (2026)
Someone made an offer on your house last week. Good price, clean financing — but they want $12,000 in seller concessions. Your agent says “it’s normal.” Your gut says “that’s a lot of money.” Who’s right? Both of you, kind of. Seller concessions are one of the most misunderstood negotiating tools in real estate, and […]
Are Realtor Fees Included in Closing Costs? Here’s the Real Answer
Are realtor fees included in closing costs? I get this question constantly — and the confusion is understandable. Most sellers see one giant number at closing and assume it’s all the same bucket. The short answer is no, realtor fees and closing costs are completely separate — but here’s why this matters to your wallet. […]
The 2026 Housing Market Has Shifted: Here’s How to Make It Work for You
After years of a market that felt rigged against buyers and effortless for sellers, the 2026 housing market has brought something neither side has seen in a while: balance. The frenzy of waived inspections, escalation clauses, and blink-and-it’s-gone listings has given way to a market where preparation and strategy matter again. Whether you’re looking to […]
How to Prepare for an Open House as a For Sale By Owner
Selling your home as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) means taking on tasks that a real estate agent would typically handle, which can include hosting an open house. An open house can be a powerful tool to showcase your property and attract potential buyers. Here’s how to prepare your home to make the best […]
Should You Renovate Before Selling Your Home? The Definitive Guide
When it comes time to sell, many homeowners wonder: can I get more money for my house, if I renovate it first? Homeowners are aware that buyers gravitate toward features like contemporary bathrooms, and kitchens with energy-efficient appliances. The truth is complicated, though, because certain renovations will never raise the value of your home enough […]
Why is My House Not Selling? 4 Mistakes Sellers are Making
Selling your home can be a nerve-wracking experience. You can hope that homebuyers will pay your asking price, but it doesn’t always work out that way – and being able to sell quickly is often the key to maintaining your equity. If you’re wondering why your house isn’t selling, here’s what’s likely going on. Why isn’t […]
