Paying broker commission in cash? Is that usual?

We have an appointment with the notary on Friday to sign the purchase contract for the purchase of an existing property.

Now the broker informed us by email this evening that the brokerage fee must be brought in cash, and we would receive a receipt from the notary.

Apart from the annoying running around, having to quickly withdraw a five-figure sum from the bank, a transfer would be much easier for us, I wonder: why does he want it in cash?

Probably because only cash is real

I can do little with that now. I mean, the broker really has no reason to think that we would sign the purchase contract and then disappear?

I wouldn't do that.

As a direct bank customer, that would simply be impossible. If all else fails, he should issue an invoice and you pay in advance by bank transfer. Or you agree on a down payment.

I would, unless cash payment has been explicitly agreed upon somewhere, refuse the cash payment and kindly request a proper invoice, which of course will then be gladly paid by bank transfer.

Cash transactions of this magnitude are unusual!