How and when are brokerage fees paid at closing?
Short answer: Brokerage fees are typically paid at closing and reflected on the closing statement.
A Commission Disbursement Authorization (CDA) is Easy Realty's standard method for distributing brokerage fees at closing. A CDA instructs the title or escrow officer exactly how commission funds should be distributed, ensuring every payment is properly documented on the closing statement and retained in the transaction file.
How are real estate commissions structured at Easy Realty?
All real estate commissions are paid brokerage to brokerage. Real estate business is conducted under the brokerage’s license, and commissions are never paid directly to an agent whose license is not associated with the paying brokerage’s license. This structure is required to ensure compliance with Florida law and proper brokerage oversight.
How does a CDA work?
A CDA authorizes the title or escrow officer to make payments on behalf of the brokerage. In a typical transaction, a party to the transaction pays commission to Easy Realty at closing. Easy Realty then issues a CDA instructing the title or escrow officer to disburse the agent’s portion of the commission directly to the Easy Realty agent.
What is Easy Realty’s preferred method for commission disbursement?
Using a CDA at closing is Easy Realty’s preferred method for all transactions.
When will Easy Realty not issue a CDA?
If an agent’s submitted transaction documentation is incomplete at the time of closing, a CDA will not be issued. In these situations, commission funds will be paid to the brokerage and held until the agent’s transaction file is reviewed and certified as complete by Easy Realty’s internal compliance team. Once compliance is satisfied, the appropriate disbursement can be processed.
Why does commission documentation matter?
Accurate commission documentation protects the agent and the brokerage and ensures compliance with Florida record retention requirements. Closing statements, CDAs, and related records are frequently reviewed during audits and must clearly reflect how and when compensation was paid.
What is the rule of thumb for commission documentation?
If a commission was earned as part of the transaction, the closing documents and CDA showing how it was paid must be included in the transaction file.
What is the compliance basis for these requirements?
This guidance is based on Florida Statute § 475.5015 and Easy Realty’s internal compliance standards, including compensation documentation and record retention requirements for real estate transactions.