Flat fee commissions are fully legal in Georgia. Agents can legally charge a set amount per transaction instead of a percentage. You aren’t required to offer a buyer’s agent commission, but doing so can help sell faster. This guide breaks it all down how it works and how to do it right.
That question led us to build Realty Hub, and it’s the same one that brings thousands of agents here each year, looking for a smarter way to run their real estate business.
You are not required to follow outdated commission splits, and you don’t need a big-name brokerage taking 30% just for standing in the background. Under Georgia law, brokers are free to offer flat-fee models, and agents are free to take control of their earnings.
At Realty Hub, our entire model is built around that freedom:
- $100/year. $100 per transaction.
- No splits, no desk fees, no franchise pressure.
- You keep 100% of your commission and run your business your way.
If you’re a licensed agent in Georgia who wants real autonomy, legal compliance, and a lean structure that actually makes sense, this is your model.
This article is going to show you exactly how it works. Let’s break down how flat fee commissions work in Georgia, what’s legal, what’s smart, and how you can make the switch without missing a beat.
Yes, Flat Fee Commissions Are 100% Legal in Georgia
Flat fee commissions aren’t a loophole, they’re fully legal and recognized under Georgia real estate law. Brokers are allowed to set their own commission structure, whether that’s a traditional split or a flat fee.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Flat fee = fixed rate per transaction (not a percentage of the sale price)
- Licensed brokers can legally offer this model in Georgia
- You must still follow standard disclosure and compliance laws
- Agents can operate through virtual brokerages like Realty Hub with full legal backing
Georgia doesn’t regulate commission percentages. That means you’re free to offer what makes sense for your business, not what your broker mandates.
What Does Flat Fee Commission Really Mean?
Let’s strip away the industry noise. A flat fee model is simple, transparent, and agent-controlled.
Here’s what it looks like in action:
- You pay $100 per transaction and $100/year to remain active
- You keep 100% of your commission, every time, no matter the sale price
- No 70/30, 80/20, or 60/40 splits draining your income
- No recurring tech fees, desk charges, or franchise deductions
- Everything is compliant, documented, and run through a licensed brokerage
It’s not just legal, it’s how modern agents protect their income.
Do You Have to Offer a Buyer’s Agent Commission in Georgia?
One of the biggest questions post-NAR lawsuit: “Am I required to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent?”
Here’s the breakdown:
- No, offering a buyer’s agent commission is optional in Georgia
- That said, offering 2–3% can help attract more buyer agents and offers
- The 2024 commission lawsuit settlement changed how compensation can be structured, buyers may now need to pay their agent directly
- Here’s how to handle it smartly:
- Add a buyer agent commission field in the MLS listing
- Be transparent in remarks so agents know what’s being offered
- Consider offering a buyer concession if you’re not paying commission
You’re not breaking the law by skipping the buyer’s agent fee, but you may be shrinking your buyer pool. Choose strategically.
What Flat Fee Agents Should Know Before Switching
Switching to a flat fee model in Georgia can dramatically boost your income, but only if you choose the right setup.
Here’s what savvy agents check before making the move:
- MLS access varies by provider, some flat fee services only post to a limited MLS; Realty Hub offers access to Georgia MLS and FMLS
- E&O insurance is often an added fee elsewhere; we include it with every transaction
- Watch for hidden fees, like monthly admin charges or cancellation costs, our pricing is flat and transparent
- Make sure the service is legally structured through a licensed brokerage (Realty Hub is fully compliant in GA)
- Avoid rebranded listing services that don’t provide real broker support or Georgia-specific guidance
When done right, flat fee gives you leverage, not headaches.
Why More Georgia Agents Are Switching to Flat Fee
Flat fee is a shift in how agents think about their business.
Here’s why it’s gaining momentum:
- Traditional brokerages still take 20–50% of your commission, even when they offer outdated tools, quotas, or little value
- Flat fee agents:
- Set their own rates
- Market under their own brand
- Keep more profit per deal
- Virtual brokerages like Realty Hub offer:
- Full legal compliance
- Licensed broker support
- Tools without the fluff
Flat fee is especially ideal for:
- Experienced agents ready to cut overhead
- Part-time agents who want to stay active and profitable
- Referral-only license holders who don’t need MLS access every month
- Independent agents who want control, not corporate culture
The old model takes. Flat fee gives back.
Flat Fee Is Legal, Smart, and Growing
The flat fee model isn’t a workaround, it’s the future of real estate in Georgia.
- It’s 100% legal under Georgia law
- It’s already helping agents earn more and work smarter
- You don’t need to follow legacy models that eat into your paycheck
- You can stay compliant, run lean, and operate on your terms
At Realty Hub, we just made flat fee make sense. For the agent who’s tired of giving away 30% of every deal, there’s a better way.
And it’s already working for hundreds of agents across Georgia.
Thinking of Making the Switch? Here’s How Realty Hub Helps
If you’re asking “Is flat fee legal?”, what you’re really asking is “Can I build a better business on my own terms?”
Here’s how we help answer that:
What We Offer:
- Flat fee model: $100/year + $100 per transaction
- MLS access to Georgia MLS + FMLS, opt in only when needed
- No quotas, no franchise fees, no desk time, no forced tech tools
- Fast broker support, even after hours
We built Realty Hub to give agents what we never got in the traditional system: freedom backed by structure.
Ready to take home more from every deal? See how Realty Hub works for Georgia agents.
Common Agent Questions and Concerns (Answered Simply)
Flat fee models challenge the old way of thinking. Here are the questions we hear most, and how they really work:
- Is it legal? → Yes. Flat fee commissions are fully legal under Georgia law.
- Do I need to join the REALTOR® association? → No. You’re only required to hold a valid state license. Association membership is optional at Realty Hub.
- Do I need an office or desk time? → No. Realty Hub is a 100% virtual platform.
- Can I still talk to a broker? → Yes. We provide fast broker support when you need it, even nights and weekends.
- Can I work in other states? → Yes. Realty Hub is licensed in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Agents can work across all three where licensed.
- Will my listing be seen? → Flat fee doesn’t mean limited visibility. We support full MLS access (GAMLS + FMLS) so your listings show up on Zillow, Realtor.com, and beyond.
- Will I get left alone on complex deals? → Not with us. Realty Hub agents get responsive broker access, without micromanagement.
- Am I really saving money? → Most of our agents earn 30–40% more per deal than they did on a 70/30 split, even with fewer transactions.
- Will buyers skip my listing if I don’t pay their agent? → Possibly. But you can offer a buyer agent concession and still save thousands compared to full-service splits.
Flat fee means smarter, scalable, and agent-first.
