Definition of "Service Fee"

The definition of a service fee or brokers fee in real estate is a flat fee paid to a real estate agent or broker in addition to the commission for the sale or purchase. This is to cover the cost of several auxiliary services that the real estate agent or broker provides after the transaction has been completed between all parties.

The services provided vary but can include the procurance of title insurance, verifying that the title for the property is taken care of in a suitable manner, and other such matters. The fee usually reflects the cost that goes into resolving these matters, and as such is usually a fair charge for the completion of your transaction. 

Example of a service fee in real estate

Sal is the owner of a very successful pizza parlor in the downtown area of his city. With hundreds of customers visiting daily to try his famous pizza recipe, Sal has managed to save a decent sum of money that he hopes to use to open another pizza restaurant at another location. After finding a suitable location and realtor, Sal is ready to go ahead with the purchase.

Sal goes ahead with inspecting the property to make sure it is suitable for his purposes and then happily agrees to close the deal and make the property his own. After some haggling on the price, the two parties settle on a mutually agreeable arrangement and go forward with the purchase. Papers are signed, and Sal is about to become the new owner.

Once all the necessary paperwork has been completed, the gross and net sales prices are calculated. In addition to the 5% commission charged by his real estate agent, Sal is informed that he must also pay his realtor an additional $400 service fee in order to ensure that everything is in order for the purchase. 

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Before getting a loan to buy a property, you must know the definition of foreclosure. A foreclosure is the process of making a loan due immediately. Technically, a loan becomes due way ...

Total amount due at maturity consisting of both principal and compound interest. ...

Window having both screens and storm windows that can be easily interchanged according to seasonal needs. ...

Compilation of all tax maps of a given tax district that are bound together and kept at the local tax office. The tax book is a public record that may be accessed by an individual for ...

A lessee (tenant) subleases the apartment to a third party .The tenant is now sandwiched between the lessor and the sublessee. In other words, the tenant is acting as a lessee to the ...

The right of a person or business to renew a contract. For example, the tenant may have the right to renew a lease for a specified amount and term. ...

An individual, educated, trained, and licensed in the principles of designing structures, and rendering drawings, specifications, bidding requirements. ...

Right of a party, the assignor, to allocate the benefits of certain insurance policies to a third party, the assignee. Insurance on real estate may assign the policy to protect the property ...

Flood insurance is a type of home insurance created to protect a homeowner’s property against damages caused by floods. Flood insurance is typically not included in the regular ...

Popular Real Estate Questions