§1 Fee Structure
A Fair Fixed Fee is a flat dollar amount disclosed in writing before representation begins. It is not a percentage of the transaction price. It does not change based on the sale price, negotiation outcome, or concessions.
1.1 Seller-side fee cap
- Seller-side fee shall not exceed 2.5% of the sale price, OR the market-indexed dollar cap published for the applicable Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), whichever is lower.
- The fee is earned at close of escrow. No portion is payable by the seller if the transaction does not close.
1.2 Buyer-side fee cap
- Buyer-side fee shall not exceed 1.5% of the purchase price, OR the market-indexed dollar cap published for the applicable MSA, whichever is lower.
- The fee is disclosed to the buyer in writing at the buyer-representation agreement and again at offer. The source of payment (buyer direct, seller concession, or other structure) is disclosed in the same document.
1.3 Market-indexed caps
- The Board publishes annual dollar caps per MSA based on median home price data.
- Caps are published in Appendix A and updated January 1 each year.
- Agents certify against the MSA in which each transaction occurs.
1.4 Commissions are negotiable
The standards in §1 establish MAXIMUM fees for certified agents. Nothing prevents a certified agent and client from negotiating a fee BELOW the applicable cap. Commissions are negotiable by federal and state law, and Fair Fixed Fee certification does not set a floor.
§2 Service Requirements
A certified agent provides full service to their client. "Flat fee" does not mean "fewer services." The following are minimum included services:
2.1 Listing (seller-side) agents must provide
- MLS listing entry and management
- Professional photography (minimum 20 images for single-family residence)
- Written marketing description optimized for search
- Syndication to major real estate search sites
- Showing coordination and lockbox management
- Offer review, presentation, and negotiation
- Contract management through close of escrow
- Communication with escrow, title, and lender parties
- Attendance (in person or virtual) at closing
2.2 Buyer-side agents must provide
- Property search based on documented client criteria
- Scheduling and attending showings
- Market analysis for homes of interest
- Offer preparation and negotiation
- Coordination of inspection and appraisal
- Contract management through close of escrow
- Communication with escrow, title, and lender parties
- Attendance (in person or virtual) at closing
2.3 Services not required to be included
The following may be offered by the agent at additional disclosed cost or not offered at all. If offered, the additional cost must be disclosed in writing before work begins:
- Staging (physical or virtual)
- Videography or drone imagery beyond standard photos
- Pre-listing repairs, inspections, or upgrades
- Off-market pre-listing marketing exposure
§3 Disclosure
- The fee is disclosed in writing before any representation agreement is signed.
- The fee amount, payment source, payment timing, and service inclusions are all disclosed in the same document.
- No representation agreement shall contain a fee structure inconsistent with §1 of these standards.
- The agent shall disclose their Fair Fixed Fee Certification number (FFFCB-YYYY-####) on the representation agreement.
- Changes to fee or service inclusions mid-engagement require a written amendment signed by both parties.
§4 Code of Ethics
Certified agents agree to:
- Act in the client's best interest at all times
- Disclose all material facts known about a property to the party they represent
- Avoid dual representation unless consented in writing by all parties
- Present all offers promptly and in writing
- Comply with the NAR Code of Ethics where member, and with all applicable state and federal real estate law
- Honor the letter and spirit of Fair Housing law at all times
- Refrain from any marketing, advertising, or public statement that misrepresents Fair Fixed Fee certification or the services of a certified agent
§5 License & Eligibility
- Certified agents must hold an active real estate license in the state(s) where they practice.
- Licenses must be in good standing with no suspension, revocation, or pending disciplinary action.
- Where applicable, certified agents must maintain membership in the National Association of REALTORS.
- License verification is performed at application, at annual renewal, and upon written complaint.
§6 Annual Renewal & Audit
6.1 Renewal
- Certification renews annually on the anniversary of initial certification.
- Renewal requires payment of annual dues, confirmation of license in good standing, and attestation that the agent has continued to comply with these Standards.
6.2 Audit
- The Board conducts random audits of certified agents by pulling a sample of recently closed transactions and reviewing net sheets, representation agreements, and client-facing disclosures.
- A certified agent may be selected for audit no more than once per calendar year except upon complaint.
- Audit findings are communicated to the agent in writing. Material non-compliance may result in written warning, probationary status, or decertification.
6.3 Consumer complaints
- Consumers may file a written complaint against a certified agent through a published form.
- The Board reviews each complaint, communicates with the agent, and determines whether action is warranted.
- Complaint outcomes are recorded in the agent's Board file and contribute to renewal decisions.
6.4 Decertification
- Material violation of these Standards may result in decertification.
- Decertification is public. The agent's listing is removed from the directory and the verification URL returns a decertified status with the date and reason.
- Decertified agents may reapply after 12 months, subject to Board discretion.
§A Appendix A — Market-Indexed Dollar Caps
Initial caps for selected Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Full schedule published at certification launch (Q3 2026). Caps are reviewed and published annually on January 1.
| MSA |
Seller cap |
Buyer cap |
| Los Angeles / Orange County, CA | $20,000 | $12,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area, CA | $30,000 | $18,000 |
| Santa Clarita Valley, CA (sub-MSA) | $17,000 | $10,000 |
| New York City / Long Island | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $12,000 | $7,500 |
| Dallas / Fort Worth, TX | $12,000 | $7,500 |
| Miami / South Florida | $15,000 | $9,000 |
| Seattle / Tacoma, WA | $16,000 | $10,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $11,000 | $7,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $10,000 | $6,500 |
| All other US metros (default) | 2.5% of sale | 1.5% of purchase |
Initial draft caps. Subject to founding-cohort review and annual revision. Final schedule published at certification launch.
