Does a real estate agent have the right to a commission on after the agreement is finished?

Answer 1

I'm a Broker and in our state, if you have proof that you showed a buyer a home, which they turned around and used another agent to purchase, then I would be the 'procurring cause' of the sale. Meaning that because of me, the buyer was turned on to the home, without me they may not have seen it or been able to consider it, thus making me entitled to some of the commission, because without me, this buyer may never have seen this home.

Also, agency agreements may expire but there could be a clause in there as to how many days after expiration that they are entitled to commissions for certain reasons. You will want to investigate this, as it's hard to say whether it covers only that in my first paragraph or possibly more.

Answer 2

If it is a buyer they originally showed the house to, usually they are entitled to a commission. Sometimes the buyer or seller tries to weasel around the listing agent and do the deal after an expiration, but the agent can and will sue for that commission because without their efforts buyer and seller would not have met.

Answer 3

If the Listing Agreement that you signed states they are entitled one, then yes. Most Real Estate contracts have some sort of protection period, such as..if you sell the house to a buyer that was shown the house while it was listed, within 90 days of termination, the Broker is due a commission. Each State varies, as do a lot of offices.

Read your listing agreement carefully!

Vicki Watzlawick
Broker Owner
Exit Platinum Realty