by Clay Gjevre
If you’re thinking about selling your home in San Francisco, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right real estate agent. Many homeowners believe that real estate commissions are set in stone—but that’s far from the truth.
Recent changes in the real estate industry have made it clear: Commissions are negotiable. The key is finding a top San Francisco real estate agent who provides the best service for the right price.
So, how do you ensure that you're hiring the best real estate broker in San Francisco while getting top dollar for your home? Follow these four essential steps to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
Step 1: Interview Multiple Real Estate Agents
One of the biggest mistakes home sellers make is hiring the first agent they meet. Before committing, it’s crucial to interview at least three top real estate brokers in San Francisco to compare their experience, marketing strategies, and commission structures.
Not all agents provide the same level of service. Some will:
✅ Offer professional photography, videography, and drone footage to showcase your home beautifully
✅ Have connections with home prep teams, stagers, and contractors to maximize your home’s appeal
✅ Provide pre-listing home inspections to uncover potential issues before buyers do
✅ Execute targeted marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers
✅ Hold high-impact open houses to generate interest
Others might simply list your home on the MLS, put a lockbox on the door, and hope for the best—yet still charge the same commission as a top San Francisco real estate agent who provides full-service marketing.
What to Ask During the Interview:
What marketing strategies do you use to attract buyers?
Do you provide professional staging, photography, and videography?
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
What commission do you charge, and what does it include?
By interviewing multiple agents, you can compare services and choose a realtor who truly adds value to your home sale.
Step 2: Set Expectations Before the Listing Appointment
Many real estate agents follow a generic listing presentation—showing you their sales history, brokerage stats, and a few past listings. While these details are useful, they don’t tell you much about what they will actually do to sell your home.
Instead of sitting through a cookie-cutter presentation, take control by sending potential agents a list of key questions before the meeting.
What to Include in Your Email:
Who handles the professional photography and videography? Can you provide examples?
What pre-listing services do you offer? (connections to stagers, painters, home inspections)
How do you market homes in competitive neighborhoods in San Francisco?
How many open houses will you hold, and who will run them?
How will you communicate with me? (weekly updates, reports, etc.)
What commission do you charge, and what does it include?
This forces agents to be transparent about their services upfront. If an agent hesitates to answer or says "that's just the standard rate," it’s a red flag. A top San Francisco real estate agent should be able to clearly outline their value and pricing structure.
Step 3: Structure the Commission to Work for You
Many home sellers assume that commission rates are fixed, but they are completely negotiable. Here are three different ways to structure commissions when working with a real estate broker in San Francisco.
1. Performance-Based Commission
Some agents inflate your home’s listing price just to win your business—this is called "buying the listing." They tell you they can sell your home for more than it’s worth, only to push for a price reduction later.
💡 Solution: Tie their commission to performance.
If they sell your home at or above list price, they get full commission.
If they sell it below a certain threshold, their commission is reduced.
This ensures that your agent is motivated to get the highest price possible.
2. Flat-Fee Commission
If an agent provides limited services, you can negotiate a flat fee instead of a percentage-based commission.
This is useful if:
You’re covering staging, marketing, or open houses yourself
The agent isn’t offering full-service representation
3. Pay for Service, Not Just a Title
Not all agents are created equal. If one agent is offering premium services (staging, photography, negotiation), and another is offering basic MLS listing services, they shouldn’t be charging the same commission.
Ask them directly: 💬 “Why am I paying the same commission for fewer services?”
If they can’t justify their rate, negotiate it down—or move on.
Step 4: Buyers Should Negotiate Too
Sellers aren’t the only ones who should question commission rates—buyers need to negotiate as well.
Many buyer agents ask clients to sign an exclusive representation agreement, locking them into working with that agent for months. This can limit your flexibility if you’re not fully confident in your agent.
💡 Instead, negotiate commission terms on a per-transaction basis or agree to a trial period (5-7 days) to test the agent’s services before committing long-term.
The Best San Francisco Neighborhoods for Selling a Home
If you’re selling in one of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco, working with a top-producing real estate agent is even more important. Competitive markets like Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, Presidio Heights, and the Marina require an expert marketing strategy to attract the right buyers.
A real estate broker in San Francisco CA who understands these high-demand areas can position your home effectively, ensuring you get the best price possible.
Final Thoughts: How to Sell Your San Francisco Home Like a Pro
If there’s one thing to remember when selling your San Francisco home, it’s this: Commissions are negotiable, and not all agents provide the same level of service.
✅ Interview multiple agents before hiring ✅ Ask tough questions and demand transparency ✅ Negotiate the commission structure to fit your needs ✅ Work with an experienced agent who knows how to sell homes in the best neighborhoods in San Francisco
Looking for the Best San Francisco Real Estate Agent?
If you're thinking about selling, you need a top agent in San Francisco who knows the market, has a proven strategy, and gets results. Contact me today to learn how I can help you sell your home for top dollar.
📩 Contact me here: Clay@Claygjevre.com
📞 Call/Text: 415-793-7633
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