Average Real Estate Agent Commission Rates (2024 Update)

Bailey Peterson's PhotoSteve Nicastro's Photo
By Bailey Peterson & Steve Nicastro Updated March 18, 2024

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The current average real estate commission in the U.S. is approximately 5.49%, divided between the listing agent (2.83%) and the buyer's agent (2.66%). This statistic comes from a survey of 630 partner agents with Clever, who shared the usual rates for buyer and seller agents in their regions.

At this rate, U.S. home sellers pay real estate agent fees of about $8,235 on a $150,000 home and $38,430 on a $700,000 home. For a home valued at the median price of $431,000, this translates to just over $23,000 in total realtor fees. 

Remember, real estate agent fees aren't set in stone and can vary depending on where you live, the kind of property you're selling, and how the housing market is performing in your area. For example, selling a $400,000 house could save $6,000 on realtor fees by working with a low commission real estate company that gets you a 1.5% listing fee (compared to the usual 2.5-3%).

How much is the average real estate commission?

To deliver home sellers the most accurate information on average realtor commission rates in each state, we conducted a comprehensive survey of active agents across the U.S.

We found that typical realtor commission rates were 5.49%, but ranged from a low of 4.78% to 6.67%.

Remember: these rates only represent averages. Commission rates aren't standardized in any official capacity, and you can always negotiate realtor fees with your agent or sell with a company that offers pre-negotiated low commission rates.

The best low commission companies, like Clever, make saving easier than ever. Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with top-rated local agents. You'll get the support of a full-service agent from a trusted brokerage like Berkshire Hathaway or Keller Williams — but pay a fraction of the cost! Just enter your zip code below to get started.

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Average realtor commission rates by state

Before you sell, it's wise to get a handle on your area's average total agent fees. This knowledge puts you in a stronger position to make decisions that match your financial needs and selling goals.

Across the country, real estate commissions are typically 5–6%, including both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent fee. Realtors charge higher or lower rates based on local norms and market conditions.

Use this table to find the average real estate commission in your state:

StateAverage commission rate
Alabama5.45%
Alaska6.00%
Arizona5.44%
Arkansas5.99%
California5.11%
Colorado5.62%
Connecticut5.47%
Delaware4.88%
Florida5.37%
Georgia5.81%
Hawaii4.78%
Idaho5.50%
Illinois5.35%
Indiana5.56%
Iowa5.67%
Kansas5.58%
Kentucky6.00%
Louisiana5.56%
Maine5.17%
Maryland5.34%
Massachusetts5.45%
Michigan5.92%
Minnesota5.82%
Mississippi6.07%
Missouri5.58%
Montana5.50%
Nebraska5.25%
Nevada5.80%
New Hampshire5.25%
New Jersey5.21%
New Mexico5.90%
New York5.39%
North Carolina5.52%
North Dakota5.00%
Ohio5.99%
Oklahoma5.95%
Oregon5.03%
Pennsylvania5.48%
Rhode Island5.50%
South Carolina5.62%
South Dakota*5.49%
Tennessee5.58%
Texas5.73%
Utah4.90%
Vermont*5.49%
Virginia5.45%
Washington5.25%
Washington, D.C.*5.49%
West Virginia6.67%
Wisconsin5.15%
Wyoming6.00%
National average5.49%
Show more
*Due to insufficient data, commission rates in these states were inferred from regional averages.

Average commission by region 

What percentage commission do real estate agents charge?

ServiceCommission rateCost
Listing agent2.83%$9,705
Buyer's agent2.66%$9,122
Total5.49%$18,827
Note: Estimated costs based on the median U.S. home price of $431,000 using average commission rates. Actual costs may vary depending on your location and specific sale prices.

Total realtor commission ranges from 2.00% to 8.00%, with a nationwide average of 5.49% of the property's selling price. The total is usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.

The exact percentage you'll pay a realtor depends on several factors, like the normal rate in your area and which agent you choose to work with. If you find an agent through a low commission real estate company, you can pay a rate well below the industry average.

Average realtor commission for seller's agents

The national average realtor commission for the seller's agent or listing agent ranges from 1.00% to 4.00%, with an average of 2.83%. 

On a $342,941 home sale, the listing agent would get $3,429 to $13,718.

Listing commission rates can vary by as much as 40% depending on where you live. Here's how listing commissions differ in states with the highest and lowest typical costs:

Average realtor commission for buyer's agent

Nationwide, a buyer's real estate agent typically collects 1.00% to 4.00%, or 2.66% on average.

On a $342,941 home sale, the buyer's agent would get $3,429 to $13,718.

Buyer's agent commission rates can vary by three percentage points depending on your state. That's a significant cost difference.

How do realtor fees work?

Selling your home typically involves the services of two key real estate professionals: A listing agent and the buyer's agent. The commission from the final sale price of a home is initially paid to the real estate brokers who employ these agents. These brokers then distribute a portion of the commission to the realtors.

The standard commission for each agent is typically between 2.5% and 3%, but the actual amount you pay depends on the rates you negotiate with your listing agent.

You'll discuss commission rates during your first meeting with a realtor, where you'll explore the possibility of working together to sell your home. The agreed-upon rate is then outlined in the listing agreement you sign with your agent.

You'll also decide on the commission to offer the buyer's agent with your realtor. This commission acts as an incentive for buyer's agents to show your home to their clients.

Note: Realtor commission rates are not fixed. They can vary based on location, the real estate agency, current market trends, and other factors. Plus, these rates are open to negotiation.

Some full-service real estate brokerages, like Clever Real Estate, negotiate lower commission rates on your behalf. This can lead to significant savings on your home sale. Clever pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee with experienced agents nationwide, offering you the full services of a professional agent at about half the usual cost. 

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Who pays realtor fees?

Selling your home involves the seller paying real estate fees for both their listing agent and the buyer's agent. The commission is typically deducted from the sale proceeds rather than paid upfront.

Offering a competitive commission to the buyer's agent is a strategic marketing expense. With around 90% of buyers using agents, a fair commission can significantly increase your home's appeal to these agents and their clients.

🏡  Real Estate Commission Changes Coming Soon! 

Recent legal actions are set to shake up real estate commission practices. Historically, sellers have paid the commissions for both listing and buyer's agents. A lawsuit in November 2023 challenged this, suggesting changes that could shift some financial responsibilities.

NAR has now settled, agreeing to pay $418 million over four years, without admitting any wrongdoing. This settlement aims to keep cooperative compensation flexible for buyers and sellers.

While the full impact of the settlement is yet to be determined, experts believe that the change will eventually lead to lower buyer’s agent commissions and give buyers the ability to negotiate those commissions based on the services they need.

The terms of the settlement are scheduled to take effect in mid-July 2024. But, the settlement hasn’t been officially approved yet, and it could be delayed or changed by objections. Stay tuned for updates on how this could impact your next home sale or purchase.

» NAR Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Claims Brought by Home Sellers

How do real estate agents set their commission rates?

Realtors tend to set their commission rate based on what other agents in the area are charging. Instead of a fixed rate, most real estate agents often work within a range, usually between 2.5% and 3%. Several key factors influence their decision. 

Property value

The value of a home significantly impacts commission rates, as higher-priced homes can lead to larger commissions. For instance, Ryan Radecki, a real estate professional based in Indianapolis, mentions, "For higher-end homes in our market, say $500,000 and above, I'm more open to discussing the listing fee."

Client relationship and circumstances

Isadora Sarto, an agent operating in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, tailors her commission rates to each client's unique situation. This includes considerations like selling multiple properties or dealing with challenging circumstances. 

Sarto also notes that loyalty and referrals from past clients can influence her decision to adjust rates.

Sale complexity 

The ease or difficulty of selling a property is a crucial factor. Susan Aviles, a realtor based in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., considers the home's condition and the local buyer demand. 

"I try to find out when I first talk to my client what the overall condition of the home is," she says. Aviles also looks at the level of demand from prospective buyers in the area and what other agents are offering.

Services provided 

Agents like Michael McGivern in Minneapolis offer varied commission rates based on the seller's chosen service package. "I offer sellers three options with commissions at 5%, 6%, and 7% with different features at each level," says McGivern. "This allows the sellers to tell me what they value and sets them up for a great experience."

Market conditions

Aviles says that local market conditions are particularly important when determining the buyer's agent commission (BAC). "We can offer a lower buyer’s agent commission in a seller's market. If there are a lot of active listings, we might offer higher to attract more buyers."

How much do real estate agents make per sale?

The earnings of real estate agents per sale can vary significantly based on the commission rate and the home's sale price. Here's a breakdown of what real estate agents might earn at different commission rates for various home sale prices:

Home sale price 5% commission 5.5% commission 6% commission
$100,000 $5,000 $5,500 $6,000
$250,000 $12,500 $13,750 $15,000
$400,000 $20,000 $22,000 $24,000
$500,000 $25,000 $27,500 $30,000
$750,000 $37,500 $41,250 $45,000
$1,000,000 $50,000 $55,000 $60,000
Show more

These figures represent the total commission earned on a sale, typically split between the buyer's and seller's agents. The actual amount an individual agent receives can be less, as it's often shared with their brokerage and may be subject to other deductions.

Why are real estate agent commissions so expensive?

Realtor fees, while seemingly high, might be justified by several factors:

Higher sales prices. Studies, including those by Clever Real Estate, show that homes sold through agents typically achieve higher prices. For instance, in 2022 and 2023, sellers using agents netted, on average, nearly $50,000 more than those opting for for sale by owner (FSBO). 

Additionally, the National Association of Realtors reported that in 2022, FSBO homes sold for approximately $100,000 less than those sold through realtors. 

Commission sharing. Listing agents don't retain the entire commission from a home sale. This fee is shared with the buyer's agent and their brokerage, reducing the individual agent's earnings.

Marketing costs. Realtors often bear the upfront costs of marketing a property, which includes various promotional activities and materials. This investment is made without any sale guarantee, representing a considerable risk for the agent.

More visibility. Listing with a realtor posts your home on the multiple listing service (MLS), a database of homes for sale in your area, and the "number one source for sellers to list their homes." 

While the benefits of using realtors are clear, there's still an ongoing debate about the extent of realtor fees. In the U.S., real estate commissions are among the highest globally, leading to increased scrutiny and discussion about their fairness and necessity. 

How to save on realtor commission

Work with a brokerage that offers built-in savings

For many home sellers, a practical way to save on costs is by choosing a low commission real estate brokerage. Leading discount brokerages, such as Clever, offer the same level of service and agent expertise you would expect from a traditional realtor, but at a significantly reduced rate.

Clever connects you with experienced agents from reputable brokerages like Century 21 and Keller Williams. It also pre-negotiates 1.5% listing agent commission rate, which is half the rate most realtors charge.

You have the flexibility to interview multiple realtors to ensure you find the right match for your needs. And if you decide it's not for you, there's no obligation to continue. This service is offered free of charge, providing a no-risk opportunity for sellers.

💰 Never pay the full 6% commission again

The "standard" 6% commission predates the internet, when realtors had to work harder to find clients and potential buyers.

At Clever, we connect top-rated real estate agents with sellers like you at zero upfront cost to the agents — so they’re willing to pass savings along to you.

You get full service for a pre-negotiated low listing fee (1.5% instead of the typical 3% rate), which can save you tens of thousands at the closing table.

Negotiate the commission rate directly with your realtor

While realtor commissions are not fixed and can be negotiated, the willingness of agents to adjust their rates can vary. Initiating the conversation about commission rates is often up to the seller.

High demand or pre-determined buyer. If your home is in a high-demand area or you already have a buyer, the agent might lower their rate. The agent can secure a quicker sale with less effort in such cases.

High value property. Agents may accept a lower commission rate for high-value homes. Even at a reduced rate, the overall commission from a high-priced property can be more lucrative than a full-rate commission on a lower-priced home.

Opportunity for repeat business or referrals. If you can offer the agent additional business in the future or refer them to other potential clients, they might be more inclined to negotiate a lower rate. This scenario presents a long-term benefit for the agent, potentially leading to more earnings over time.

» MORE: How to negotiate realtor commission

Sell your home for sale by owner (FSBO)

You can also save by selling your home DIY instead of working with a listing agent. However, we don't recommend this route for most sellers for a few key reasons: 

Risk of lower sale price. FSBO sellers often struggle to achieve market value for their homes. This shortfall can diminish or even outweigh the savings from not paying realtor fees.  A recent survey by Clever revealed that more than half of FSBO sellers had to lower their initial asking price to secure a sale.

Pricing challenges. Setting the right price is crucial in real estate. NAR data indicates that homes sold by agents frequently fetch the full asking price or more, a success rate that FSBO sellers often don't match due to mispricing.

Time and effort. Selling a home on your own is a time-intensive process. It requires a significant commitment to manage showings, negotiations, and marketing.

Legal risks. With the guidance of a professional agent, FSBO sellers can avoid higher risks of legal and financial errors. Over a third of FSBO sellers report making legal mistakes during the sale process. 

» MORE: How to sell your house for sale by owner

FAQ

How much is realtor commission in my state?

Real estate commission rates average 5.49%, across the United States but can vary significantly by state. Find average commission rates in your state.

Can I negotiate realtor commissions?

Yes, realtor commission rates are negotiable. While there are typical rates in each area, you can discuss and potentially negotiate these rates with your agent. But it's important to approach this conversation with an understanding of the average rates in your area and the value provided by the agent. Tips for negotiating include being upfront about your expectations and understanding what services the agent will offer for their fee. Learn how to save on realtor commission.

What's included in a commission rate?

A realtor's commission typically covers a range of services essential for selling your home. These services can include listing the property, marketing it through various channels, conducting open houses, negotiating with buyers, and handling the paperwork and legal aspects of the sale. The exact services included can vary depending on the agent and their brokerage.

How do commission rates differ between buyer's and seller's agents?

The commission is typically split between the buyer's and seller's agents. While the total commission rate is negotiated by the seller with their listing agent, a portion of this is offered to the buyer's agent as an incentive to bring potential buyers to the property. The exact split can vary, but it's often close to a 50/50 division between the two agents.

What is a fair commission for a real estate agent?

A fair real estate commission is subjective and depends on several factors, including your home price, how quickly you expect your house to sell, and what services your agent will provide. It should be competitive enough to attract good agents while also being reasonable in terms of the seller's expected return from the sale.

While you can negotiate a lower listing fee, especially if you're willing to take on more responsibilities, many sellers find the best value in working with a low-cost, full-service realtor who offers discounted rates.

Methodology

To provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of average real estate commission rates across the country, we employed a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Agent survey. We surveyed 630 partner real estate agents across the United States. The survey asked agents to report typical commission rates for both buyer's and seller's agents in their respective markets. This large sample size ensures a broad representation of various real estate markets, from urban to rural areas.
  2. Data analysis. Our team analyzed the data collected from the survey to calculate average commission rates. We considered regional variations and market trends to ensure the data reflects current practices in the real estate industry.
  3. Market research. In addition to our survey, we utilized external data sources, including Zillow and the St. Louis Federal Reserve, to gather information on current home values as of January 2024. This helped us contextualize commission rates to actual home prices in the market.
  4. Validation by industry professionals. Our findings were reviewed by industry experts, including current and former real estate agents, for accuracy and relevance. This step ensured that our conclusions align with current real estate practices and market conditions.
  5. Transparency and clarity. We emphasize that the data presented represents average commission rates and should be used as a guideline. Commission rates are not fixed by law and are always negotiable. Our goal is to provide home sellers with a realistic expectation of potential real estate agent fees.

The real estate market is dynamic, and commission rates can fluctuate. We commit to regularly updating our data to reflect the most current market conditions, ensuring that our readers have access to the latest information.

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