The Simple Version
A flat fee buyer agent charges a fixed dollar amount for representing you in a home purchase -- instead of earning a percentage of the sale price. In California in 2026, Roman Doktorovich charges $9,250. On every transaction where the seller offers buyer agent compensation above $9,250, the difference flows back to you as a closing cost credit.
At a $1.5M Los Angeles home with 2.5% seller compensation: a traditional agent earns $37,500, you receive $0 back. Roman earns $9,250, you receive up to $28,250 back as a closing cost credit. Same home, same seller, same representation quality -- $28,250 difference to you.
How the Flat Fee Model Works Step by Step
- Initial consultation. Roman discusses your target neighborhoods, price range, timeline, and financing. He explains the flat fee model and answers any questions about the BRBC structure.
- BRBC signing. Before your first showing, you sign the Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation agreement stating Roman's $9,250 flat fee as the maximum compensation from any source. This is required by California law since August 2024.
- Home search and showings. Roman coordinates your search, provides CMA analysis on target properties, and schedules showings. He attends key showings and advises on property-specific considerations.
- Offer preparation. When you identify a target property, Roman prepares a full CMA, advises on offer price relative to market conditions, and writes the offer including a seller concession request for the flat fee excess.
- Negotiation and acceptance. Roman negotiates with the listing agent on price, terms, and the seller concession. The concession is structured as a specific dollar amount in the RPA, subject to seller agreement.
- Due diligence. Roman coordinates inspections, reviews reports, and advises on any repairs or credits to negotiate during the contingency period.
- Closing. The seller pays Roman's $9,250 flat fee from the offered compensation. The remaining compensation is applied to your closing costs. You arrive at closing owing only your down payment in many cases.
Flat Fee vs. Traditional Agent -- The Numbers Across LA and OC
*Subject to seller agreement and lender concession limits. 2.5% seller compensation assumed. Not a guarantee.
Common Questions About the Flat Fee Model
Is the representation quality the same?
Yes. Roman provides full buyer representation -- market analysis, offer writing, negotiation, transaction management, and closing guidance. The flat fee model does not change the scope of representation. It changes only who receives the excess compensation after the agent's fee is satisfied.
Will sellers accept the concession request?
Most sellers in Los Angeles and Orange County will. The seller's net proceeds are identical -- they are simply redirecting the excess compensation to the buyer's closing costs rather than to the buyer's agent. Roman has successfully structured this on transactions across LA and OC. The concession is always subject to seller agreement and is negotiated, not automatic.
What if my lender has concession limits?
Lenders have limits on seller concessions -- typically 3-9% of purchase price depending on loan type and down payment. Roman reviews these limits with your lender before any offer is submitted to ensure the concession request is structured within your specific loan's guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flat fee buyer agent?
A flat fee buyer agent is a licensed real estate agent who charges a fixed dollar fee for buyer representation instead of a percentage of the purchase price. In California in 2026, Roman Doktorovich charges $9,250 as his flat fee -- regardless of the purchase price. This is specified in the BRBC before the first showing. The remainder of any seller-offered compensation above $9,250 is negotiated back to the buyer as a closing cost credit.
How does a flat fee buyer agent make money?
A flat fee buyer agent earns their fixed fee on every closed transaction. The fee is paid from the seller-offered buyer agent compensation -- so in most cases the buyer pays nothing out of pocket for representation. If the seller offers 2.5% on a $1.5M home ($37,500), the flat fee agent keeps $9,250 and the remaining $28,250 is returned to the buyer as a seller concession, subject to seller agreement.
Does a flat fee buyer agent provide the same services as a traditional agent?
Yes -- full representation. A flat fee buyer agent coordinates your home search, prepares market analysis and CMAs, writes and negotiates offers, manages transaction contingencies, communicates with the listing agent, coordinates inspections, and guides you through closing. The service scope is identical to a traditional buyer agent. The only difference is the compensation structure.
Is a flat fee buyer agent legal in California?
Yes -- completely legal. California Business and Professions Code permits agents to charge flat fees and to credit excess compensation to buyers. The BRBC (Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation agreement) required since August 2024 explicitly accommodates flat fee compensation structures. Roman Doktorovich is a licensed California buyer's agent (DRE #01441969) affiliated with Real Brokerage Technologies Inc. (Lic #02022092).
When does the flat fee buyer agent model NOT work?
The flat fee model generates the largest buyer savings when the seller offers buyer agent compensation that significantly exceeds the flat fee. If a seller offers zero buyer agent compensation (rare but possible), the buyer is responsible for the flat fee out of pocket -- this is specified in the BRBC. Roman discusses the seller compensation situation for any specific listing before advising on offer strategy.
Ready to Buy in Los Angeles or Orange County?
Roman charges a $9,250 flat fee. The remainder of the seller-offered compensation is negotiated back to you as a closing cost credit. Full representation. No percentage commission.
Get My Savings Estimate → Calculate My SavingsRoman Doktorovich · DRE #01441969 · Real Brokerage Technologies Inc. Lic #02022092 · Not a guarantee of future performance.