How commission works | Save on commission | Alaska housing market | Best low commission companies | Methodology
📊 The data:
We surveyed local agents and found that the average real estate commission in Alaska is 4.99%, which is less than the national average of 5.37%.
To sell a house in Alaska worth $336,015 — the median home value in Alaska — you’ll pay about $16,767 in realtor fees.
Realtor commission is usually the largest cost you'll face when selling your home — but you don't have to pay the full 4.99%.
Clever Real Estate could help you save thousands on commission by pre-negotiating 1.5% listing fees with full-service Alaska realtors from top brokerages.
On that same $336,015 home — you'd pay just $11,200, up to 33% less than paying average rates.
» SAVE: Sell with Clever for 1.5% listing fees and save thousands in commission!
How real estate agent commission works
Average listing commission | 2.54% |
Average buyer's agent commission | 2.45% |
Total average commission | 4.99% |
There are usually two real estate agents involved in a home sale:
- The seller's agent (also called the listing agent), who represents the home seller
- The buyer's agent, who represents the person buying the home
Based on our research, the average commission rate for listing agents is 2.54% of the final home price and 2.45% for buyer's agents, for a total of 4.99%.
» LEARN: How do real estate commissions work?
Who pays realtor fees in Alaska?
In Alaska, home sellers pay real estate commission fees out of the final sale proceeds for both agents involved in a deal. Offering to pay for the buyer's agent's commission is an incentive for agents to show your home to their clients.
If you'd like to save on commissions, Clever can connect you with a top listing agent in your area. You'll pay just 1.5%, keeping more money in your pocket at the end of your sale.
How to save on realtor fees in Alaska
Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while 4.99% is the average in Alaska, rates typically fall between 4.17% and 5.82%. You can save money by negotiating a lower rate with your listing agent or by working with brokerage that has a discounted commission model.
Listing commission range | 2.13%– 2.95% |
Buyer's agent commission | 2.04%– 2.87% |
Total commission range | 4.17%– 5.82% |
Tips for negotiating realtor commission in Alaska
Whether you’re selling a condo in Anchorage, a vacation home in Juneau, or a cabin outside Fairbanks, you should always try to negotiate a lower sales commission.
Negotiating a lower realtor percentage in Alaska depends on two main factors: your situation and the housing market.
Factor | You may have an easier time negotiating low rates if... |
|---|---|
Your situation |
|
The Alaska housing market |
|
While your personal situation will obviously vary, Alaska real estate market conditions will affect all home sellers in your area.
In general, in a seller's market — where home sellers have more leverage than buyers — a listing agent's job is easier and they may be more willing to lower their commission rates. The opposite is usually true in a buyer's market.
» LEARN: Find our top tips for negotiating lower commission fees
To judge the current state of your real estate market, look at these three factors:
- Months of inventory ⓘ
- Sale to list price ⓘ
- Home value trends ⓘ
If every factor points to Alaska being a seller's market, then you may be in a good position to negotiate a lower commission rate with your agent. If market conditions are mixed or favor buyers, it may be more challenging to persuade your realtor to accept a cheaper fee.
The current state of the Alaska real estate market
Factor | Trends | Indication |
|---|---|---|
Months of inventory | There's 17.4 months of housing inventory on the market | Buyer's market |
Sale-to-list ratio | Homes are selling for 99.13% of their listing price | Seller's market |
Home values | Home values have risen 13.22% year over year | Seller's market |
Low commission real estate companies in Alaska
Negotiating a lower rate with a professional negotiator can be hard! In many cases, home sellers can save just as much (or more!) by selling with a low commission real estate company.
These are some of the top discount and flat-fee MLS services in Alaska.
The top discount real estate companies in Alaska
Discount real estate companies typically offer full-service support for a reduced commission percentage or flat rate. How they create those discounts will depend on the company's model, with some creating more risks and trade-offs than others.
Clever Real Estate
Get Started💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. $3,000)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,625
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
4.9/5 (1,995 reviews)
Clever is a quick, easy, and free way to find a top-rated local agent. And, unlike many similar companies, Clever pre-negotiates big discounts on your behalf, so you can save thousands without sacrificing on service.
- Clever offers a free, nationwide agent-matching service that partners with full-service local agents from conventional brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX.
- You get multiple agent matches so you can interview, compare marketing plans, and choose the best fit.
- Clever pre-negotiates low rates on your behalf — you get full service for a low 1.5% listing fee.
- If you buy with Clever, you could get cash back after closing.
- You may not get matched with an agent from your preferred real estate brokerage.
- Agents may not provide premium services like drone photography and professional home staging.
Clever has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,844 reviews.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates with top agents in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Redfin
Full Review💲 Listing Fee
1.5% (min. fees vary)
💰 Avg. Savings
$5,550
⭐ Avg. Customer Rating
3.7/5 (301 reviews)
Redfin offers real savings and is a proven brand. But sellers could compromise on service — especially agent experience and availability.
- If you buy and sell with Redfin, you'll get a 0.5% listing fee discount.
- Redfin gives its listings premium placement in its popular home search app.
- If finding the right agent is a top priority, you'll have limited options — Redfin only has a few agents in each of its markets.
- Redfin agents handle more customers at once than the average realtor, so they may not be able to provide as much personalized service.
Redfin has a 3.7 out of 5 rating (301 reviews) across popular review sites like Google and Yelp.
Redfin is available in 80+ U.S. markets (see all locations).
» LEARN: How do discount real estate brokers offer lower fees?
The top flat fee MLS listing services in Alaska
Flat fee MLS services list your home on your local MLS for a low fee, often around $100–$300. The trade-off is that you'll have to handle almost the entire home-selling process yourself.
Congress Realty
Congress RealtyPrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
Listing Term
6 months
- Congress Realty is a licensed brokerage in Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington that specializes in flat-fee MLS listing services
- Free comparative market analysis (upon request)
- You set buyer’s commission (Congress Realty recommends 3%)
- Listings typically go live in 1 business day
- Free, unlimited changes
- Your phone number displayed on the MLS listing
$299
- 6-month listing on MLS
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 4 photos
- Downloadable contracts, addendums, and disclosure forms
- ShowingTime showing scheduling and feedback service
A-la-carte services include: more photos, open house advertisements, listing renewals, professional photography, yard signs, lockbox, and more.
Pros
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find the buyer
- Free, unlimited changes
- Wide variety of a-la-carte services
- Home buyer rebates if you buy with Congress Realty (in states where available)
Cons
- May not cover every part of your state
- Fewer photos than other comparable flat-fee MLS services
Mr. Alaska Real Estate
Mr. Alaska Real EstatePrice Range
$299
Number of Photos
25+
Listing Term
N/A - information not available
- Mr. Alaska Real Estate (aka Sun Properties LLC) has been serving Alaskan home buyers and sellers since 1996
- Specializes in discount listings, free buyer representation, FSBO services, and flat fee MLS listings
- Also offers contract writeups ($450) and contract review/counter offer writeups ($250), which can be purchased separately
- Buyer’s agent commission required — percentage or fixed dollar amount
$299 - Flat Fee MLS Service
|
Non-MLS, a-la-carte services:
Contract Write-Up - $450
- Turns verbal agreements into professional, written purchase agreement
- Helps with counter offers, addendums, extensions, and more
- Provides required disclosure forms for purchase agreement
- Advises on appraisal and home inspection process
- Provides “Fast Track” briefing to help expedite the loan process
Contract Review and Counter Offer Write-Up - $250
- Will review offer letter and prepare counteroffer
- Unlimited revision cycles, until you and the buyer come to an agreement
Pros
- No restriction on the number of photos you can include in your listing
- Make unlimited changes to your listing with no additional fee
- Can include open houses in your listing
Cons
- Only one pricing tier on offer
As of August 17, 2020, Mr. Alaska Realty does not have any third party reviews, but has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Flat Fee Group
Flat Fee GroupPrice Range
$199-479+
Number of Photos
32
Listing Term
Monthly up to until sold
- Flat Fee Group is a national network of independent brokers that offer flat-fee MLS services in Alaska
- Pay no buyer’s agent commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
- Buyer and agent inquiries forwarded to you
- Contracts, disclosures, and addendums included
$199 - Basic
| $399 - Showcase
$549+0.5% at closing ($1,000 max) - Premium
$479+0.5% at closing - Full Service
|
Pros
- Work directly with the broker, not a referral service
- Buyer inquiries forwarded directly to you
- Pay no commission if you find an unrepresented buyer
Cons
- No information on whether changes are included or cost additional fees. Contact broker for details
As of August 6, 2020, no third-party review information was available for Rick Davis. We will update when this information becomes available.
Flat Fee Realty
Flat Fee RealtyPrice Range
$199 (+ 0.5% at closing)
Number of Photos
Listing Term
Until Sold
- Flat Fee Realty is a nationwide flat-fee MLS referral service, licensed in Connecticut, that connects you with Alaska brokers and agents who will list your home on the MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- You set buyer’s agent commission
- MLS photo upgrade available for $50
- State disclosures and forms available
- Unlimited listing changes
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
$199 + 0.5% at closing - MLS Listing package
- Listed on MLS until sold
- Syndicated to Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more
- 6 Photos
- Free state disclosures
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Broker assistance
- Transaction guidance
MLS photo upgrade available for $50
Pros
- Unlimited listing changes
- No cancellation fee
- Free state disclosures
- Buyer leads forwarded to you
- Refund available within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- No built-in home valuation or market analysis
- Limited coverage in rural areas
As of August 11, 2020, no third-party reviews exist for Flat Fee Realty. We will update when this information becomes available.
Houzeo
HouzeoPrice Range
$245-399
Number of Photos
6 to max allowed
Listing Term
3-6 Months
- Houzeo is a flat-fee MLS referral service that connects you with Alaska brokers and agents who will list your home on your local MLS for a pre-negotiated rate
- Draft your listing, upload photos, set your price, and sign MLS contracts via Houzeo’s online dashboard
- Autofills listing details using publicly available info about your home to expedite the listing process
- Home valuation not included in service
- Does not require that you offer buyer’s agent commission
- Listing is typically live within 24 hours of submission
$245 - Bronze
| $399 - Gold
|
Pros
- Free cancellation anytime (no refunds)
- Freedom to specify any buyer’s agent commission
- Listings typically go live within 24 hours
Cons
- Limited coverage in rural areas
- “Free changes” only apply to listing price, status, and property description; $10 for additional changes
As of August 7, 2020, Houzeo has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 21 reviews on Google.
» MORE: What you need to know about flat fee MLS services.
Learn more
Alaska's blend of spectacular wilderness and a culture of individual reliance is unmatched anywhere in the United States. Even though the state’s population growth has slowed, the housing market is on a sustained upswing. Prices are high, and volume has reached levels not seen in over a decade.
How’s that possible? Well, low interest rates and even lower inventory have driven the Alaskan market. More people are trying to buy homes in Alaska than there are homes in Alaska. While this can be frustrating for buyers, it’s great news for sellers. Homes in Alaska aren’t staying on the market very long, and the high level of competition means you can likely negotiate a lower commission.
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates of only 1.5%, and it works with top Alaska agents. Intrigued? Contact Clever today to learn how you can get a top-quality sales experience for a low commission.
Methodology
We gathered our commission rate data from a survey of 630 of our partner agents. The survey asked about standard local rates for both listing and buying agents.
Additionally, we utilized the following data from Zillow and Realtor.com:
- Home values, list prices, and sale prices: Based on Zillow data as of January 2023
- Sale prices and sale-to-list ratios: Based on Redfin data as of February 2023 (unless specified otherwise)
- Months of inventory: Based on Realtor.com data as of February 2023