Understanding Real estate agent commissions: What you Need to Know Understanding Real Estate Agent Commissions: What You Need to Know 1. What are Real Estate Agent Commissions? Real estate agent fees are paid to real estate brokers for their help in helping customers buy or sale a property. – In most cases, the commission is paid by a seller and is a certain percentage of the sale price. The rate of commission can vary based on the market as well as the agreement between the agent/seller. – In most cases, real estate agents work on a commission-only basis, meaning they