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 […]
How to Price Your Home Right Without an Agent: A Seller’s Guide
Setting the right price for your home is one of the most critical steps in selling it successfully—especially when selling it yourself. Without the guidance of a real estate agent, FSBO (For Sale By Owner) sellers must take on the challenge of pricing their property accurately to attract buyers while maximizing their profit. This guide […]
Can’t Sell Your Home? 6 Common Problems Fixed
If your home isn’t selling, you’re not alone. By the end of 2024, 73,000 homes were pulled off the market after failing to sell – a 64% increase from the previous year. The good news? Most issues are fixable. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 6 most common reasons homes don’t sell and how to […]