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 commissions are fees paid to real estate agents for their services in helping clients buy or sell a property. – Typically the commission is a percent of the final selling price of the home and is paid to the seller. The commission rate can be different depending on the marketplace and the agreement between an agent and a seller. In most cases, agents are paid on a commission only