Yes, real estate commission is negotiable in Queensland. However, when comparing agents, consider what their fee includes, any additional expenses and how they plan to manage your sale - not just the commission percentage.
“Can you sell my property for a lower commission?” is a fair question. Selling a home is a significant financial decision, and you should feel comfortable asking an agent to explain their fees.
For homeowners in Yarrabilba, Logan and surrounding South East Queensland suburbs, understanding the service behind each proposal can help you choose an agent with confidence.
Commission is the fee agreed between you and your real estate agent for selling your property. It may be calculated as a percentage of the sale price or agreed as a fixed amount.
Queensland does not set a standard commission rate or maximum commission. The amount is negotiated between the agent and seller and must be recorded in writing when the agent is appointed.
Before signing, ask the agent to explain:
How their commission is calculated.
Whether the quoted amount includes GST.
When commission becomes payable.
Which services are included.
What additional expenses you may need to pay.
The services covered depend on your agreement. An agent’s work can include pricing advice, buyer communication, inspections, campaign management, negotiation and coordination through to settlement.
Marketing, photography, styling, searches and disclosure document preparation may be charged separately. Ask for an itemised proposal so you understand the total expected cost.
A useful question is: “Can you walk me through what you will do before launch, during the campaign and once we accept an offer?”
An agent’s preparation can begin well before the first online advertisement appears. Ask each agent how they approach the following activities.
Contacting active buyers
An agent can identify suitable buyers from their database and follow up relevant enquiries from other properties.
With your approval, this may include pre-market inspections. Ask how the agent would balance early buyer interest with the opportunity to reach a wider audience through a public launch.
Developing a pricing and selling strategy
Preparation includes reviewing recent sales, competing listings and current buyer feedback.
The agent should explain how that evidence informs their recommended price, method of sale and campaign timing.
Preparing the property and advertising
This can involve presentation advice, coordinating photography and floorplans, writing advertising copy and checking property details.
It also includes planning inspections and arranging access with owners or tenants.
Coordinating Form 2 seller disclosure documents
For most Queensland property sales covered by the seller disclosure scheme, the seller must provide a Form 2 Seller Disclosure Statement and the required supporting documents before the buyer signs the contract.
Ask who will prepare these documents, how your agent will coordinate with your solicitor or conveyancer, and which costs are separate.
Completing identity and compliance checks
Real estate agents providing covered services have anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. These include customer due diligence, such as identifying and verifying customers.
Your agent should explain what information they need from you and how to provide it securely.
These are industry compliance requirements. Understanding who manages each step helps you assess the preparation and coordination involved in your sale.
An agent’s role continues throughout the campaign. Ask how they will:
Offer assessment should consider price alongside finance conditions, settlement timing and other terms relevant to your circumstances.
No. A higher commission does not guarantee a higher sale price, and a lower commission does not automatically mean less service.
Ask each agent to explain their strategy, provide relevant examples of their work and outline how they will communicate with you.
Consider whether their experience and proposed approach suit your property and selling plans.
Compare written proposals using the same assumed sale price. Include commission, GST where applicable, marketing and other quoted expenses.
This shows how the costs differ without relying on each agent’s appraisal figure.
Then compare the service: who will manage the campaign, how buyers will be followed up and how offers will be negotiated. Ask about any charges that could apply if the property does not sell or you end the appointment.
The aim is to understand both what you will pay and what you will receive.
At LJ Hooker Property Complete, we’re happy to explain our commission, what’s included and how we would approach selling your property in Yarrabilba or the surrounding area.
Whether you’re preparing to sell soon or weighing up your options, we can help you understand the process and expected costs.
Contact our team to discuss your property and request a clear breakdown of our selling services and fees.