When purchasing a second-hand home in the United States, real estate agencies typically charge fees that include a commission (usually 5-6% of the sale price), closing costs (2-5% of the purchase price), and potential additional fees for services like home inspections or processing. The commission is split between the seller’s and buyer’s agents, while closing costs cover title insurance, escrow, and prorated taxes. Some agencies offer flat-fee services, especially for lower-priced homes.

Real estate agencies charge these fees to cover operational costs, marketing, and agent compensation. The commission structure is industry-standard, with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reporting the median commission as 5.5% in 2023, though this varies by state and market. Closing costs, averaging $8,000 to $15,000 nationally (Bankrate, 2023), ensure third-party services like title searches and escrow are funded. Flat-fee models, adopted by 15% of agents (NAR, 2022), appeal to cost-conscious buyers but may limit negotiation leverage. Buyer’s agents are often paid by the seller, making their fees part of the overall transaction. These practices reflect market norms balancing agent expertise with transparency, though buyers should compare fee structures to optimize savings.