It is simple. The seller of the home pays a percentage (usually 6%) of the sell price to the real estate agents. There are usually two agents involved, the buyers agent, and the sellers agent. They usually split the commission 50/50. They get a check when the home closes, or concludes in sale. That's the only income. The agent does not cost the buyer anything.
I am a agent. It is not a get rich quick scheme. It is 100% commission. When you start out you work for months with no income. There are a lot of expenses. Real Estate license is close to a thousand dollars with the required schooling. You need to join the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which is several hundreds of dollars with quarterly fees on top of that. California Association of Realtors is right at $700 with quarterly fees. The office you work for takes a percentage of your commission. Gas in the car, other overheads. Don't think anybody is getting over on you. They are not. I am not saying all this for reaction or response it is just so you understand. I think you would want to know how it works. It is not a get rich quick scheme this day and age. In the end, Real Estate agents must be crazy...., or love it.
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