Who pays the real estate fees in a sale — idealista/news

2024-02-04 13:00:02

The process of selling a property requires a series of procedures that consume time and resources, especially if we want to maximize the profit and achieve a quick and professional sale.

That is why many individuals and companies choose to delegate this task to real estate agencies. Of course, their work will inevitably involve a cost: we tell you Who has to pay the real estate agency fees in a sale?as well as what it consists of and what are the advantages of this type of service.

What do real estate sales fees include?

The work of the real estate agency covers all the procedures related to the sale of a property, from beginning to end: from the valuation and preparation of the apartment, through the management of visits, including the contractual part and the culmination of the process with the signature of the purchase and sale contract.

During the time this process lasts, the real estate agency will be in charge of advising you and defending your interests. These are the main services that a real estate agency will cover:

• Appraisal of the property and definition of the sale priceas well as negotiation margin.
• Preparing the home for its release on the market: Some real estate agencies offer home staging services, which will help you get the most out of your home. They will also take quality photographs and even videos and virtual tours.
• Visit management: They will be in charge of scheduling visits by potential buyers to the property and informing them about any aspect related to the sale.
• Legal management: The preparation and signing of the deposit contract or the purchase and sale contract itself are part of the services offered by real estate agencies. Also the management of all bureaucratic procedures related to the sale, such as obtaining certificates and essential documents or filing taxes.

Who pays real estate fees in a sale?

As to Who pays the real estate fees for the sale?the answer is that this item normally corresponds to the seller, since it is the party interested in the sale of the property.

However, no rule requires that this person pay for the service. Therefore, sometimes this expense is shared between buyer and seller. It is also possible that there are two independent fees for each party as a normal work formula by the agency.

Furthermore, although less frequent, there are also cases in which the buyer himself is the one who hires the services of a real estate agency so that he can find a home that meets his needs and expectations, as well as in order to obtain the necessary mortgage financing to buy it In these cases, the collection of fees from the purchasing party is clearer.

Is it legal for the real estate agency to charge the buyer?

Many people wonder if It is legal to charge fees to the buyer of an apartment and, since there are no regulations in this regard, the answer is affirmative. However, it is relatively common for this expense to be shared between the seller and the buyer, since, in reality, both parties benefit from this service.

Are there real estate agencies that do not charge fees to the buyer?

Yes, it is common for real estate agencies not to charge fees to the buyer, although this will depend on the specific case. Logically, if you go as a buyer to a real estate agency to ask them to help you find a home to your liking, you will have to pay for this service. If you are interested in a specific property, it is possible that the schedules are the responsibility of the selling party.

When are the fees paid to the real estate agency?

It is usual that The real estate fees are paid at the time of signing the sale.although it is also possible that an advance payment is required, which can be collected, for example, upon signing the deposit contract or before the agency begins work.

This raises the question of what happens in the event that the sale is not formalized: the real estate fees without sale They will depend on what is included in the real estate brokerage contract and the order form. Normally, if the sale is not completed, the agency will charge a lower amount for the services provided, but not the fees that would correspond to a complete service.

Can real estate fees be deducted?

He cost associated with real estate fees They are taken into account when calculating the capital gain that we must reflect when filing the Income Tax return as sellers. Thus, this expense will serve to reduce the profit obtained.

On the buyer’s side, real estate fees are part of the sales price. Therefore, in the face of a possible future sale with capital gain, this expense will also reduce said gain.

Always keep documentation that proves the expense in real estate fees to avoid any conflict with the Treasury.