“YOUR HOMETOWN REALTORS”
Serving the Community Since 1981
815-786-9418
Did You Know?
When a Realtor lists a home, they often pay several upfront marketing and business expenses before they ever get paid at closing. The exact costs vary by brokerage, market, and listing price, but here’s a practical breakdown:
Typical Realtor Listing Expenses:
1. MLS Fees
Realtors usually pay dues or fees to access and list properties in the MLS.
This may include:
- Local MLS membership
- Realtor association dues
- Lockbox/key access fees
- Supra/electronic lockbox fees
- Listing input or compliance fees, depending on the MLS/brokerage
2. Professional Photography
Most agents pay for listing photos because strong visuals are essential.
Typical items may include:
- Interior/exterior photography
- Drone photos
- Twilight photos
- Floor plans
- Virtual tours
4. Online Marketing
This can include:
- Social media graphics
- Facebook/Instagram ads
- Boosted posts
- Email marketing
- Website listing pages
- Google Business Profile posts
6. Open House Costs
These may include:
- Open house ads
- Directional signage
- Printed handouts
- Refreshments, sometimes
- Follow-up materials
6. Open House Costs
These may include:
- Open house ads
- Directional signage
- Printed handouts
- Refreshments, sometimes
- Follow-up materials
3. Signage
The agent or brokerage often pays for:
Yard sign installation
Sign rider panels
Directional signs
Open house signs
Sign removal
5. Print Marketing
Depending on the listing, agents may pay for:
Flyers
Brochures
Feature sheets
Just Listed postcards
Open house handouts
7. Transaction/Business Costs
Agents also have behind-the-scenes costs such as:
- Brokerage fees
- Errors & omissions insurance
- CRM/contact software
- Showing service fees
- Contract/forms software
- Continuing education
- Licensing fees
- General business expenses