Is it legal for a realtor to charge the buyer a non-negotiable fee for a short sale?

Is it legal for a realtor to charge the buyer a non-negotiable fee for a short sale?

We are going to buy a home. One of the home we have most interest in is a short sale. The real estate agent holding the listing has told our agent that we must pay an non negotiable fee of $4,000 in addition to the short sale price. Since the seller’s agent isn’t working for us, what could the fee be for and why does the buyer have to pay it? What does the buyer get for that money? I’ve searched the internet and get a hazy view of it’s legality.

Asked on February 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida

Answers:

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