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Can our agent demand their commission B4 closing?

Our listing company is insisting that we bring a cashier's check to them before closing because the lender the buyers are using doesn't work with them. Our listing agreement states that they will receive their money AT closing. They want $3000 prior to closing the deal.

Asked by Elizabeth Hanning | Ocala, FL| 05-13-2024| 617 views|Finance & Legal Info|Updated 1 year ago

Answers (7)

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Barrett Henry

RE/MAX Collective · Tampa, FL

(6 reviews)
No. If your listing agreement states the commission is payable at closing, that's when it's due. The agent cannot unilaterally change the terms of your agreement and demand payment before closing. The fact that the buyer's lender doesn't work with their brokerage is not your problem. Commission disbursement is handled at the closing table through the title company or closing attorney. The listing agent's commission is paid from the proceeds of the sale, not from a cashier's check you hand them before the deal closes. Tell the agent in writing that you'll honor the terms of the listing agreement, which states commission is paid at closing. If they push back, contact their managing broker and reference the specific language in your agreement. If it escalates further, consult a real estate attorney. Do not bring a cashier's check to your agent before closing. That's not how real estate transactions work.
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03-27-2026 (1 month ago)··
Julianne Clark

Charter One Realty · Beaufort, SC

(48 reviews)
Hi Elizabeth -- there is a lot of information missing from this question. What is the $3000 for? You state that they will received their money at chosing. Who is they? The Buyer or the Lender? Usually money exchange is through attorneys or title companies. Need more info to fully understand your question. Julianne
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05-15-2024 (1 year ago)··
Keith Jean Pierre

REMAX First Realty · East Brunswick, NJ

(151 reviews)
Commission, unless otherwise specified, is paid upon the successful closing. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA
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04-25-2026 (1 day ago)··
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Kevin Neely

Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners · Spring Hill, FL

(76 reviews)
No, a real estate agent cannot demand commission before closing. Commission is paid at closing from the closing proceeds, not upfront from buyer or seller directly. In Masaryktown, Florida, if an agent is asking for money before closing, review your listing agreement carefully and contact the broker of record. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells
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04-17-2026 (1 week ago)··
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group · Fort Myers, FL

(13 reviews)
No. Commission is typically paid at closing through the settlement statement once the sale is complete. If someone is demanding payment early, that is not standard.
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11-03-2025 (5 months ago)··
Tyler FitzRising Star10 Answers
Tyler Fitz

Venture Realty Co · Jacksonville Beach, FL

(21 reviews)
This is a complex question depending on many factors; however, an agent must get paid throught their broker and the broker gets paid at a successful closing through the title company/closing lawyer. If they are asking for an advancement on their commission I highly recommend you contact their broker directly. Now, if the buyer or lender is asking for a credit that would also get paid at closing. Either way it essentially near impossible that anything should be paid prior to closing besides repairs/improvements taken care of during the contract period or an open lien. You can also contact the closing company and seek advice from them as they would be able to help clear up any unresolved issues.
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05-21-2024 (1 year ago)··
Cindy SharpNovice6 Answers
Cindy Sharp

KW Showcase Realty · Milford, MI

(8 reviews)
The title company will work up a settlement statement prior to the closing and disburse the funds to the broker who will disburse the commission to the agent. Never pay in advance of any closing as there is no guarantee the closing will take place until you are at the closing table with a check in your hand.
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07-01-2024 (1 year ago)··
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