My husband sells industrial machinery to the garment industry and sometimes has problems getting paid.  As a real estate agent I am paid once escrow closes.  Sometimes we work with buyers for a long time; a really long time before we close escrow.  But Realtors do not have collection problems; once escrow closes I am generally paid within 24 hours. 

Real estate commissions are negotiable but most commissions are in the 5-6% range.  Typically there is a selling agent representing the buyer and a listing agent representing the seller.  Usually the commission is equally divided between the two sides and the real estate brokerage also receives a portion.



For instance a 6% commission on a $500,000 sale is $30,000.  $15,000 to each brokerage.
 
Most real estate companies take 4-7% ($600 to $1050) off the top for administrative fees and then most brokerages take their percentage.  Typically real estate agents receive 45% - 85% of the gross commission (minus the off the top fee).  Our commission split is based on our production. Real estate agents who close more escrows have higher splits.

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