Commission Advances Gain in Popularity

More real estate practitioners are turning to such companies as eCommission, Commission Express, and Agent's Advance to obtain up to 90 percent of their net earned compensation in advance.

(Realtor) -- Commission advances ensure a steady cash flow to keep their businesses running, allowing agents to cover the costs of open houses and marketing materials, for instance. However, agents will pay fees of 8 percent to 15 percent for such advances, with the amount to be repaid depending on the number of days until the closing date. Title or escrow companies typically handle repayment, but closing attorneys and real estate brokerages can repay the advance companies in some states.