Exploring the Pay Structure of Real Estate Brokers: Hourly Rates versus Commission-Based Systems Hourly Wages for Real Estate Definition and Explanation Real estate agents do not typically get paid hourly. Instead, they earn a commission on the sale or purchase of a property. This means their income is directly related to their success in closing deals and making successful transactions. The commissions are a percentage based on the final price of the property. They can vary based on the market, the client’s agreement and the particular agent. This commission is split equally between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, with each