Part 5 of our 25-part Seller Series for UK homeowners selling Florida vacation homes.
Understanding Real Estate Commissions
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida property, one of the first questions you may ask is how real estate commissions work. Who pays them, how much are they, and what do you actually receive in return?
In this post, we’ll walk you through real estate commission explained — from how it’s structured to why it can directly influence the marketing your home receives and, ultimately, your final sale price.
Watch or Read — Your Choice
In this video of our Seller Series, we explore how commission works and how the marketing a seller receives on their home is related to the commission they choose to pay.
You can watch the full video above or continue reading below for the written version — perfect if you prefer to skim through the highlights at your own pace.
1. No Upfront Fees
In Florida, sellers generally don’t pay any fees upfront when listing their home for sale. Real estate commission is paid only at closing, and it’s automatically deducted from the seller’s proceeds.
This arrangement is ideal for those who may not have significant savings available when they decide to sell. And when you list your property with our team, if your home doesn’t sell during the listing period, you owe no commission at all.
2. Real Estate Commission Rates Vary
Commissions vary between real estate offices. It’s illegal for brokerages to coordinate and agree on a standard rate — doing so would constitute price fixing.
Each brokerage sets its own structure based on factors such as marketing investment, professional experience, and level of service.
3. Free Cancellation
We understand that life plans can change unexpectedly. That’s why our team offers free cancellation during the listing period. If your situation changes — for example, you decide not to sell or to delay your move — you can withdraw your listing without penalty.
4. The Co-Brokering Commission
In the United States, the total commission charged to the seller often includes what’s known as a co-brokering commission.
This is the portion paid to the buyer’s agent — the agent who introduces the buyer to your home, presents their offer, and manages the buyer’s side of the transaction through to closing. Although, please keep in mind, all commission is negotiable and there’s no obligation for a seller to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission.
Unlike in the UK, where listings are generally exclusive to one agency, US homes are shared on the Multiple Listing System (MLS) — a cooperative database that offers your property to thousands of agents and their buyers.
■ If you’d like to learn more about the MLS, click the link to our video on that topic.
5. Representing Both the Seller and the Buyer
Sometimes, the listing agent may also bring the buyer. In Florida, this is handled through what’s called a transaction broker relationship.
This means the agent can work with both parties, assisting them fairly and maintaining confidentiality for each side. It can streamline the process and help keep communication clear from start to finish.
6. Flat Fee Commissions
While most real estate commissions are a percentage of the final sale price, there are instances where a flat fee may apply.
This is most common for lower-value properties — such as small plots of land or modest condominiums — where a set fee can make more sense than a percentage-based commission.
7. Tiered Commission Options — Giving You Control
Our team takes a unique approach to commission. We offer tiered commission packages that allow you to choose the marketing level — and therefore the commission — that best fits your goals.
Our marketing is extensive and professional, designed to reach both domestic and international buyers. The wider the net we cast, the more buyer interest we generate — which can lead to more viewings, more offers, and a higher final sale price.
By putting the choice in your hands, you remain firmly in control of how your home is marketed and what you pay. Each marketing tier clearly outlines which tools and strategies will be used to showcase your property at its best.
■ We’ll cover these marketing packages in greater detail in a later video of this Seller Series.
If You’re Thinking About Selling
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida home, feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to chat.
Cell: 321-443-7535
Email: TheAistropTeam@gmail.com
About the Authors
Irena and Suzanne Aistrop are a UK mother-and-daughter real estate team based in Central Florida. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialize in helping UK homeowners sell their Florida vacation homes with ease — even while remaining abroad. Known for their hands-on service, clear communication, and deep understanding of both sides of the Atlantic, they guide clients through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
Watch the Full Seller Series
Want to dive deeper into every stage of selling your Florida home from abroad?
[Watch the full Seller Series here.]