Real estate commissions are paid through escrow as part of the closing disbursement. The amount and split come from the listing agreement and the purchase and sale contract and appear as a line item on the seller’s settlement statement. After the transaction funds and the deed records, the title and escrow company disburses the agreed commission to the listing and selling brokerages — typically by wire or check the same or next business day — along with the seller’s net proceeds and any payoffs. Commissions are paid to the brokerage, which then pays the individual agent under their internal arrangement. If your brokerage needs specific payment instructions or a W-9 on file, give them to the escrow officer early so disbursement isn’t held up on closing day.