If you’re diving into the California real estate market, especially in Walnut Creek or the greater East Bay area, one of the most common questions you might have is: Do I really have to pay my real estate agent? Let’s clear up how real estate commissions work and what you can expect when buying or selling a home.

How Real Estate Agents Get Paid in California

When you decide to sell your home, you’ll typically contact a real estate agent to help you list and market your property. The agent will offer to sell your house for a commission — usually between 5% and 6% of the final sale price. Importantly, this commission is not set by law and is always negotiable.

For example, if you agree to a 6% commission, your listing agent will take care of all the paperwork and list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). On the MLS, the listing agent will specify that they’re offering a portion of their commission (often half, about 3%) to the buyer’s agent who brings a qualified buyer.

What Does This Mean for Sellers?

As a seller in Walnut Creek or anywhere in the East Bay, you generally pay the entire commission (say 6%) from your sale proceeds at closing. That commission is then split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent. So, you are paying your agent—but only once, at closing, and it’s built into the sale price of your home.

What About Buyers? Do They Pay Their Agent?

If you’re buying a home in Walnut Creek or elsewhere in California, you do not pay your real estate agent directly. Instead, the seller pays the commission, which is baked into the home’s sale price. So while buyers don’t cut their agent a check, agent fees are part of the overall transaction costs.

Why Hiring a Trusted Real Estate Agent Matters

Whether you’re buying or selling real estate in the East Bay, working with an experienced agent can save you time, money, and stress. A good agent earns their commission by helping you get the most money for your home or negotiating the best deal when you buy.

At Ask Brendan, our goal is to help Walnut Creek and California homebuyers and sellers understand the process clearly—no surprises, no sales tactics. If you want to learn more about real estate commissions or have other questions about buying or selling in Walnut Creek or the East Bay, just message us.