Under what circumstances might a broker earn a commission?

A broker earns a commission primarily when they facilitate the successful sale, lease, or exchange of real estate. This is the fundamental basis of a broker's role in a real estate transaction. The broker engages with buyers and sellers, employing expertise in negotiation, market analysis, and property marketing to ensure that the transaction progresses smoothly and successfully reaches a closing.

This commission structure aligns with the broker’s fiduciary duty to their client, whether that client is a seller, buyer, landlord, or tenant. The successful completion of a transaction justifies the commission as it reflects the broker's value added through their services.

In contrast, while unsolicited offers can be a part of a broker's duties, they do not directly correlate to earning a commission unless they lead to a successful transaction. Representing just the seller does not encompass the full range of a broker’s opportunities to earn commissions, as they can also represent buyers or handle leases. Finally, providing market research, although valuable, is typically considered a support service rather than a direct avenue for earning commission unless it leads directly to successful transactions.