Questions: Education & Career

Should ONLY buyers pay? Sellers? Split? At what ratio? Should brokers ONLY get a percentage or are flat fees (either as a standalone cost or ON TOP of the percentage cut? Are they even NEEDED?

Real estate

Commercial sellers / property managers: Brokers specialize in arranging transactions for offices, retail spaces, and industrial buildings.

Finance & securities

These professionals charge higher fees, often a percentage of assets under management, in exchange for a wide range of services.

Insurance.

Commissions: Brokers typically earn a commission paid by the insurance company as a percentage of the policy's premium. They may also earn a smaller "renewal commission" when the policy is renewed.

Broker fees: In addition to or in place of a commission, a broker may charge a fee directly to the client for their advisory or administrative services

Business and mergers and acquisitions

Brokers commonly charge a commission of 10% to 12% on smaller deals, with the percentage decreasing on larger transactions.

Retainers: For larger M&A deals, advisors often charge an upfront retainer fee in addition to a success fee paid at closing.

Mortgages.

Lender-paid compensation: In most cases, the lender pays the broker a commission, which may result in the borrower paying a slightly higher interest rate. Some pay borrower directly, typically 1% to 2% of the total loan amount, usually paid at closing.

Shipping and logistics.

Commission: A freight broker's compensation is typically a percentage of the difference between what the shipper pays and what the carrier charges or flat fee. This can range from 10% to 25% depending on the load.

Customs.

Transaction fees: For each entry or declaration, customs brokers charge a service fee, which can be a flat rate or based on a percentage of the goods' value.

Luxury goods

Art brokers: Facilitate the buying and selling of art and charge a commission or fee based on the transaction.

How intelligent do you consider yourself to be?

Please vote in the poll.

I have had a lot of setbacks, yes. As of today, I collect disability, yes. But I will say that I have had a hell of a ride with both positive and negative experiences.

• Held 25 jobs in a span of 15 years
• Was certified as an Emergency Medical Responder at age 17
• Was a recruit in firefighter academy as a senior in high school
• Was a fire explorer most of high school
• Worked as a lifeguard in high school
• Voluntarily participated in clinical and EMS ride alongs my junior and senior year of high school
• Volunteered with a county rescue squad at age 18
• Drove to Colorado by myself at age 19 for EMT school and achieved my Advanced EMT
• Worked in EMS for 2 years, even while attempting university. I worked 24 hour shifts, sometimes even 96 consecutive hours. I started intraosseous infusions, IVs, drove lights and sirens through heavy traffic congestion while parting the sea of cars, transported patients to different states at times, loaded patients onto helicopters, and all sorts of kick-ass experiences
• Was kicked out of a college program and showed up there shortly after in a security uniform, making the program's president's mouth drop (a funny experience and a reaction to remember). I was hired on there after I was kicked out of class. I only lasted a few minutes before I was fired, lol.
• I was hospitalized involuntarily over 20 times
• I was arrested and later convicted of stalking at age 21 trying to pursue a romantic interest at that time
• I have been to the Mayo Clinic (top hospital in the nation) to see the top psychiatrist for my mental health problems
• I have corresponded with state legislators to proactively advocate for certain issues
• I became a self-taught fullstack developer, skilled in a wide array of different technologies
• I worked on projects for some big-name, reputable companies, including Daimler (Freightliner/Western Star), Zoetis (veterinary pharmaceutical company), and McCain Foods
• Now, I finally found the love of my life and happily married