For many real estate agents, having their clients pay per showing would be a dream. Especially when you consider the gas money, mileage on the car, and even the value of an agent’s time.
Spending the money to show eight homes to a serious client is no problem for many agents. But when showings add up to more than 10, things can change. Especially when the client starts becoming less committed.
But can real estate agents charge buyers per showing? In certain situations, yes. Let’s take a closer look at when charging buyers for home showings makes sense and how agents can make the process easier.
Why Would a Real Estate Agent Charge Per Showing?
Real estate agents wouldn’t charge every buyer for home showings. However, certain types of clients may be a good fit for paying for their own showings. Some clients may not want to commit to one agent long-term. Others may request showings outside an agent’s normal coverage area.
Depending on their agreement with the buyer, some agents may credit showing fees toward their compensation at closing.
Who Is a Good Fit to Pay for Their Own Home Showings?
- Friends and family wanting to see a home in an area that you don’t normally cover but are licensed in.
- Someone who asks you to see a house but already works with another agent, as long as both agents coordinate the showing appropriately.
- A client who is on their 20th showing, and the time spent traveling and showing properties is becoming difficult to justify.
- Institutional investors who are evaluating multiple properties and may see 30 homes before committing to a purchase.
For agents handling frequent home showing requests, a pay-per-showing arrangement may help manage their time while still providing buyers with access to properties.
Can Listing Agents Charge for Home Showings?
Listing agents get calls from other agents and represented or unrepresented buyers asking them to show their listings. Most agents try to accommodate these requests. After all, nobody knows the property better than they do. However, there are situations where it may be better for a client to be shown a property through Showami.
One obvious case would be if the listing agent cannot accommodate the buyer’s requested date and time. Depending on the circumstances and applicable agreements, giving the buyer an option to pay for a showing on their schedule could work.
Another scenario is when an agent has a listing outside their normal coverage area and needs another agent’s help with home showings.
Flexible showing options make it easier for buyers to view properties. They also eliminate the need for listing agents to attend every appointment.
How Common Is It for an Agent to Charge for Showings?
Pay-per-showing services have become another option for real estate agents who want greater flexibility when managing their schedules and clients.
Showami has made this process easier by connecting real estate agents with other licensed agents in their area who can assist with home showings. Through the Showami Client Portal, agents can also allow their clients to request and pay for individual home showings.
Additionally, some buyers prefer to view properties without committing to a long-term relationship with a particular agent. Others may simply want more flexibility when scheduling home tours.
Since August 2024, buyer representation rules have required many real estate agents to sign a written agreement with buyers before touring homes together. These agreements outline the services the agent will provide and how much compensation the agent will receive.
Some clients would rather pay for a showing than bother their regular agent. Especially if they aren’t sure they’ll like the property. If they end up liking the property they paid to see, they may ask their regular agent to meet them at the property in person.
Can Real Estate Agents Charge Buyers Per Showing?
Yes, real estate agents can charge buyers per showing in certain circumstances. However, agents must be upfront about their fees. They must also follow state laws, brokerage policies, and applicable agreement requirements.
The last thing you want to do is present your client with an invoice for home showings when they never agreed to pay for them in the first place. Acting this way is unprofessional and does not sit well with home buyers.
Whether an agent charges a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a per-showing fee, they should always communicate the costs clearly and get the buyer’s agreement in advance.
For agents looking to make home showings more convenient, Showami Platinum offers a way to request showing assistance and give eligible clients the option to pay for their own showings through the Client Portal.
Learn more about the Showami Client Portal and how it can help you manage home showing requests.