So why is it that while so many other professionals charge an hourly rate, real estate agents take a commission? Think about the other types of professionals you might hire to do something for you or your home: accountant, attorney, mechanic. They charge by the hour, which translates to paying for the work done rather than paying a percentage of a sale that can happen in days or months.

All have to maintain their own businesses and do some share of advertising, networking and marketing their services. Real estate agents, however, do take on the additional burden of marketing each property they try to sell.

I’m not looking to make this into another discussion on whether or not real estate agents deserve the money they make. But I am interested in your thoughts on how they get paid and whether as consumers you like the idea of hourly rates vs. commission. And, agents, have you considered switching to an hourly rate. If you haven’t, why not?

And one more question: Knowing that agents are required to be licensed and keep current on classes and many bring various levels of expertise, what would be a fair hourly rate for a good agent?