Transparency
Fees and how I'm paid
Commissions are fully negotiable and not set by law. Here's how compensation works, what it covers, and what else to budget for before you sign anything.
The 2024 NAR settlement changed how agent compensation is discussed, and I think for the better. Buyers now sign a written agreement before touring homes, and sellers decide for themselves whether to offer anything toward a buyer's agent.
You see the numbers in writing before any work begins, and you can ask me anything about them. Nothing on this page is a fixed rate. Every arrangement is negotiated with you.
As a New Jersey real estate salesperson, I'm paid through my brokerage: commissions are paid to Boutique Realty under a written agreement with the firm, and the firm compensates me.
For sellers
The listing commission (paid to Boutique Realty) is negotiated with you and set out in the written listing agreement before your home goes on the market.
What the listing commission covers
- Pricing analysis: a written Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) built on recent sales and current competition
- Preparation guidance: what to fix, what to skip, and staging advice
- Professional photography and listing marketing
- MLS exposure and syndication to the major home search sites
- Scheduling and managing showings
- Negotiating price and terms on your behalf
- Coordinating with the attorneys during NJ's attorney review period
- Managing inspections, the appraisal, and every step through closing
Buyer's agent compensation is your choice
Whether to offer anything toward a buyer's agent, and how much, is up to you. We'll talk through the trade-offs up front. You can also decide to handle it offer by offer as buyers request it.
Get a net sheet before you list
Before you commit to listing, ask me for a written estimate of your net proceeds: what you'd walk away with after commission, NJ closing costs, and your mortgage payoff.
Other NJ seller costs to plan for
NJ Realty Transfer Fee
A graduated state fee based on the sale price, paid by the seller at closing.
"Mansion tax" on $1M+ sales
Since July 10, 2025, sellers pay a graduated fee on sales of $1 million or more.
Your attorney
NJ sellers typically have their own real estate attorney for attorney review and closing.
Mortgage payoff
Any remaining loan balance (and any home equity line) is paid off from your proceeds.
Prorations
Property taxes, and any HOA or utility charges, are split with the buyer as of the closing date.
Exact amounts depend on your sale price and situation, so confirm them with your attorney. Read the NJ seller's guide →
For buyers
Before we tour homes together, you'll receive NJ's Consumer Information Statement and sign a written buyer agreement. It spells out how the brokerage is paid, so you know the numbers before you see a single house.
Compensation
The amount or rate the brokerage will be paid, and how it's paid.
Term
How long the agreement lasts, in writing.
Scope
What I'll do for you, and the types of property and areas we're searching.
Compensation is negotiable. It may be paid by you, or it may be covered by the seller or listing side as part of the deal. It is not guaranteed either way.
I'll explain your options, including how a request for the seller to cover compensation can be negotiated into an offer, and what happens if a seller says no.
For investors
The same structure applies: a written listing agreement when you sell and a written buyer agreement when you buy, both negotiated with you. If you're planning several purchases or sales, ask me about a multi-property arrangement. Investor resources →
Written agreements and your New Jersey disclosures
New Jersey law sets out what you should receive before we work together.
A written agreement for sellers and buyers
New Jersey requires a written brokerage services agreement on both sides of a sale. It states the term, whether it's exclusive, and the firm's compensation, along with a statement that compensation is fully negotiable and not set by law.
The Consumer Information Statement
You'll receive the NJ Real Estate Commission's Consumer Information Statement, which explains the ways a brokerage can work with you, for example as a seller's agent, buyer's agent, or transaction broker.
If my firm is on both sides
If Boutique Realty represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, that requires your informed written consent (for example, disclosed dual agency or designated agency). I'll explain exactly what it means before anything is signed.
No surprises
Everything in writing, up front
Before any work begins, you'll see how the brokerage is paid, in a listing agreement or a buyer agreement.
No fees for consultations or valuations
A first conversation, a home valuation, or a CMA costs you nothing and commits you to nothing. (A CMA is a market analysis, not an appraisal.)
No email lists unless you opt in
Reaching out doesn't sign you up for anything. You'll only get my monthly market email if you choose to subscribe.
Questions about fees
Get the numbers in writing
Selling, buying, or both, I'll lay out how the brokerage is paid before you commit to anything.
Commissions and compensation are fully negotiable and are not set by law. No fee has been fixed by any governmental authority, trade association, or multiple listing service. Tax and closing-cost information is general and may change. Confirm details with your attorney, lender, or tax advisor. Mahesh Sangisetty is a REALTOR® and New Jersey–licensed real estate salesperson (#2334343) with Boutique Realty.