Real estate agents earn a pretty big commission check on a $1 million or $10 million home. For instance, with an average real estate agent commission rate of 5.70% – as reported by Clever Real Estate's recent data – both real estate agents could earn the following commission:
Commission amounts (average)
| Home price | 5.70% total | 2.88% listing | 2.82% buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000,000 | $57,000 | $28,800 | $28,200 |
| $2,000,000 | $114,000 | $57,600 | $56,400 |
| $3,000,000 | $171,000 | $86,400 | $84,600 |
| $4,000,000 | $228,000 | $115,200 | $112,800 |
| $5,000,000 | $285,000 | $144,000 | $141,000 |
| $6,000,000 | $342,000 | $172,800 | $169,200 |
| $7,000,000 | $399,000 | $201,600 | $197,400 |
| $8,000,000 | $456,000 | $230,400 | $225,600 |
| $9,000,000 | $513,000 | $259,200 | $253,800 |
| $10,000,000 | $570,000 | $288,000 | $282,000 |
Numbers are illustrative. Averages are based on Clever's February 2026 survey of 533 agents nationwide. Actual commissions vary by market and negotiation.
Assuming the listing or seller's agent earns an average commission of 2.88%, they would earn $28,800 on a $1 million home and a whopping $288,000 on a $10 million sale!
But are the high real estate agent commissions justified? Luxury homes often take longer to sell — sometimes twice as long as a typical property — so many sellers lean on experienced agents who specialize in marketing high-end homes.
These agents bring networks of qualified buyers, professional staging and photography resources, and negotiation skills that can make the difference in closing a sale.
Here’s the good news: commissions on million-dollar homes are negotiable. Since agents stand to earn significant fees even at a reduced rate, sellers often have more leverage to negotiate lower realtor fees.
💡 Example: Instead of paying a 2.88% listing fee (~$28,800), working with a low-commission brokerage like Clever Real Estate could drop your cost to 1.5% ($15,000) — a savings of more than $13,000.
Get connected with top local agents who offer a 1.5% listing fee today!
How much does a realtor make on a million dollar house?
In a typical home sale nationwide, the total commission on the sale price averages 5.70% and is usually split almost equally between the seller's and buyer's agents.
However, it's worth noting that listing agents often receive a higher portion, averaging around 2.88%, compared to the 2.82% typically earned by buyer's agents.
Use the calculator below to determine the commission and the split on home sales up to $10 million. If you sell a $1 million+ home while paying a 6% commission rate, you'll owe well over $100,000 in real estate agent fees (assuming you're on the hook for both agent's commissions).
Agent / broker commission split
In the past, the seller's sale proceeds would also cover paying the buyer's agent's fee. That's why it costs the seller $60,000 in commission in the above example, even though their agent only cost them $30,000.
How commission actually works after the NAR settlement
The mechanics of who pays what changed in August 2024, after the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settled a class-action lawsuit over commission practices. Three changes matter if you're selling a million-dollar home:
- Buyers sign agency agreements before touring. Any buyer who wants to walk through your home with their own agent must first sign a written buyer-broker agreement that specifies the agent's fee.
- You no longer advertise the buyer's-agent fee on the MLS. Listing agreements used to lock in a published "co-op" commission that the buyer's agent would collect from your proceeds at closing. That's gone after the NAR settlement.
- Buyer-side compensation is negotiated separately — but sellers still often cover it. You can offer to credit some or all of the buyer's-agent fee at closing as a concession. In softer markets, that's still common practice; in hot markets, less so.
What this means: you control the listing-agent commission, and you choose whether to offer concessions toward the buyer's agent. There's no longer a default 50/50 split baked into the listing agreement.
The truth about negotiating commission on a million-dollar home
Here's the math that makes the luxury tier the most negotiable: a listing agent who drops from 2.88% to 2.5% on a $1 million home gives up $3,800 — but still walks away with $25,000. On a $400,000 sale, the same percentage drop costs the agent $1,520 against a $10,000 check. The dollars at $1 million-plus matter to the agent; the percentage cut matters to you.
Clever's 2026 partner-agent survey shows just how much give there is. Among respondents in markets where $1 million-plus listings are common — including San Francisco and the Peninsula, New York City, Los Angeles, Naples, and Palm Beach — the median spread between the stated market-average buyer-side rate and the lowest rate an agent would accept is 1.0 percentage point. Several said they'd accept rates 1.5 percentage points below their stated norm.[1]
Three negotiation tactics that actually work at the luxury tier:
- Ask for a tiered rate. A lower base commission plus a bonus if the home sells above a target price. Aligns the agent's incentive with your top-line goal.
- Trade exclusivity for rate. Offer a longer listing agreement (90 days instead of 60) in exchange for a 0.25–0.5% rate reduction.
- Tie the rate to a written marketing budget. Instead of bargaining the rate down without conditions, get a specific dollar commitment to staging, photo, video, and advertising in the listing agreement.
» MORE: How to negotiate realtor commission
One caveat: if you're in a fast-moving market with strong recent $1 million-plus comps, paying the full rate to keep your agent fully invested may net you more than the savings. Negotiate hardest when your home and market give you room — and pay full price when they don't.
How to vet a luxury agent
The single most important interview habit comes from Cathy Robles, a broker and Realtor on the San Francisco Peninsula: "Ask how many recent deals they've done in the area, how they would specifically price, market, or structure an offer or listing in today's market. They should be able to explain their strategy with data, not vague promises."
The questions to ask any agent you interview:
- How many homes above $1 million have you closed in the past 12 months?
- What's your average days-on-market for $1 million-plus homes in our zip code?
- What's the marketing budget you'd commit to a home in my price range? Walk me through where it goes.
- Will you sign an NDA? Do you have an off-MLS network of buyers at this price point?
- How would you price my home, and what comps are you using? Can you show me the data?
- After the NAR settlement, how are you handling buyer-agent compensation in our market right now?
A red flag isn't always what you'd expect. The biggest one: vague answers to the marketing-budget question. A luxury agent who's actually equipped to sell your home should be able to create a detailed budget down to line items.
» MORE: How to find a real estate agent
What is the commission on a $10 million home?
The commission for selling a $10 million home is higher despite potentially lower commission rates.
For instance, a 2% commission rate on a $10 million sale would result in $200,000 for each agent. This amount is more than what an agent would earn from a 3% commission on a $1 million home sale, which would be $30,000 – a difference of $170,000.
Factors influencing commission rates for high-value properties like a $10 million home include the agent's experience and their network of prospective buyers, the current state of the real estate market in the home's location, the property's appeal and the likelihood of a sale, and any unique features of the home.
It's also important to remember that commission rates are negotiable. An experienced agent may be willing to negotiate lower rates for higher-value properties, leading to more favorable terms for sellers of such luxury homes.
Save up to $15K in commission by listing with a Clever partner agent for just 1.5%.
Selling a $1 million home: Maximizing your success
Commission isn't the only thing eating your sale price. Most $1 million sellers walk away with less than they expect because they only negotiated one line item.
Capital gains is the big one. The IRS lets a single seller exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from the sale of a primary residence, or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. If you bought the home for $400,000 ten years ago and sell for $1.2 million, your $800,000 gain may put a married couple $300,000 over the exclusion — taxable at long-term capital-gains rates.[2]
Other line items worth negotiating alongside commission:
- Title insurance. Owner's policy is usually negotiable — shop the title agency.
- Transfer taxes. Set by the state, but can sometimes be split with the buyer.
- Attorney fees (in NY, NJ, MA, and a handful of other states).
- HOA payoff prorations and document fees.
- Mortgage prepayment penalties if you have an older loan with that provision.
Negotiate these alongside the listing-agent commission, not as an afterthought.
» MORE: Find the best low commission realtors for luxury homes
How top agents sell a $10 million home
When selling a home in the $1-10 million range, it's not as simple as listing it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and waiting. Top real estate agents bring their years of expertise and marketing acumen, crafting strategies tailored to attract a niche group of potential buyers.
Your agent's commission isn't just for their time; it's an investment in their deep understanding of the market and ability to draw attention to your listing. They're your ally in garnering interest and navigating negotiations to secure the best possible deal.
Here's a glimpse into the strategies employed by agents to sell luxury homes:
Luxury marketing tools
The marketing tier shifts at $1 million-plus. Pro photo and video, drone footage, 3D tours, premium MLS placements, private showings, and access to broker-only networks become standard — not optional.
Federico Pina, a luxury agent in New York City, frames the value plainly: "Real estate agents bring strong marketing expertise and deep local market knowledge, along with access to top-tier vendors and broker-only platforms unavailable to the public. More eyes lead to more showings, and more showings increase the likelihood of receiving strong offers."
There's also a pricing tactic the right luxury agent will use that most sellers never see. Dana Carmel, who lists on the San Francisco Peninsula, walks through it: "Pricing the way people search online on Zillow and Redfin up to $1.5M, $2M, etc. so those sites are marketing the listing to their audiences as well as my own marketing programs." A home priced at $1,499,000 instead of $1,510,000 ends up in tens of thousands more search results — a free boost that comes from listing strategy, not budget.
Hidden line items most luxury sellers don't budget for upfront:
- Staging. $5,000–$25,000 depending on whether the home is vacant or occupied, and its size.
- Pre-listing inspection. $500–$1,500. Catches issues before a buyer's inspector does.
- Premium photo and video. $1,500–$5,000 for the full luxury package (twilight shots, drone, walkthrough video).
- Lifestyle copywriting and marketing. Typically $1,000–$3,000.
- Transaction coordinator. Most luxury agents include this in their commission — ask if yours does.
Aaron Pena, a Florida-based real estate advisor who handles waterfront and golf-course homes, sums up the floor on marketing dollars: "Marketing has to be done properly. A basic ad online isn't going to cut it. You need professional photos, a proper video, drone footage, good staging, and advertising that actually reaches the right people. That can run anywhere from five to twenty thousand dollars."
Ask your listing agent to spec the marketing budget in writing — not as a percentage of the commission, but as actual dollar commitments to specific line items.
👀 What about open houses?
Luxury homes often forgo traditional open houses due to the risk of attracting more casual lookers than serious buyers. Instead, private showings are more common, aligning with sellers' preferences and the property's exclusivity.
Understanding buyer's requirements
Understanding the luxury buyer is a critical aspect of high-end real estate marketing, which involves targeted marketing strategies that focus on a high-end clientele.
It's paramount to recognize and accommodate luxury home buyers' unique needs and preferences. These buyers often have specific requirements and expectations that differ from the average homebuyer's, and addressing these can influence the success of a sale.
Confidentiality is also vital in these transactions. Protecting sensitive information, often through non-disclosure agreements, ensures that buyers' and sellers' privacy and interests are safeguarded. This approach builds trust and enhances the buying experience for high-net-worth individuals.
Pricing the million dollar home right
This is a critical step in the selling process. This becomes even more crucial in the luxury real estate market due to the limited pool of potential buyers.
About 70% of recent home sellers sought a professional evaluation of their home's value before selling, a practice recommended for luxury properties. Tools like a comparative market analysis (CMA) or pre-listing appraisals help set accurate prices.
When setting the price for a million-dollar home, it's important to consider a few main things: where the house is, how big it is, what condition it's in, and if it has any special features. This helps ensure the price isn't too high, which can stop the home from selling quickly.
It's also key to match the price with the seller's wants - a fast sale or the most money possible. Getting the price right helps find the best buyers and ensures the sale goes well.
How to save on a $1 million (or $10 million) sale
Negotiate a lower real estate agent commission
Saving on a high-value home sale, whether $1 million or $10 million, can be achieved by negotiating a lower realtor commission. Given the high sale price, you hold more leverage in these negotiations.
Studies say that only 22% of recent home sellers negotiate reduced fees.[3] But these figures encompass all home sellers, not only those in the luxury market. So, your chances might be better in the high-end segment.
Several factors influence your negotiating power. The value and appeal of your home are significant, as well as the current state of your local market, including inventory levels. Additionally, the time of year can play a role.
Understanding these elements can help you negotiate a lower commission, leading to large savings in a high-value home sale.
» How to negotiate realtor commission
Use a discount brokerage
A few discount brokerages sell million-dollar homes, which can be a savvy move when selling a luxury property. These brokers hire licensed real estate agents who offer the same services as traditional brokers but at a lower commission rate. This approach can yield significant savings, especially in high-value real estate transactions.
These agents typically accept a pre-negotiated rate of around 1.5%, compared to the usual 2-3% listing commission. Despite the lower rate, agents can still earn a large commission due to the higher sales price of luxury properties.
Choosing a discount brokerage doesn't mean receiving discounted or limited service. You'll have access to agents who specialize in or have considerable experience with luxury homes. This ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to the high-end market.
If you're ready to sell your million-dollar home, sell with Clever Real Estate for a 1.5% listing fee! And, if you buy your next home through Clever, you could qualify to get cash back after closing.
Clever is 100% free for home sellers, and there's no obligation to commit to an agent if you aren't satisfied with your matches.
Sign up with Clever and get matched with experienced local agents who can help you sell your million dollar home and save tens of thousands on commission fees.
Frequently asked questions
At the current national average of 5.70%, the listing agent earns about $28,800 (2.88%) and the buyer's agent earns about $28,200 (2.82%) on a $1 million sale. The agent's actual take-home is lower — they typically split with their brokerage on a 50/50 to 80/20 basis. Use a real estate commission calculator to estimate based on your home's price and the rate you negotiate.
Clever's 2026 partner-agent survey shows agents in luxury-active markets will routinely accept buyer-side rates 1.0–1.5 percentage points below their stated market norm. On a $1 million listing, that's a $10,000–$15,000 swing. Negotiate hardest on the listing side, where you have direct contracting power.
It varies by market, but $1 million-plus homes typically sit on the market longer than median-priced homes. Helen Bassie, Broker-Owner of Bassie Signature Properties in Palm Beach County, Florida, gives the breakdown from her market: "Median-priced homes (around $645,000) often move within 40 days. Properties in the $1M+ segment average 65–95 days. The exception is 'turnkey' luxury — fully renovated and professionally styled properties often secure contracts in under 30 days due to high demand for move-in-ready inventory." Ask any agent you interview for their average days-on-market for $1 million-plus listings in your specific zip code. Generic "average DOM" numbers from national reports rarely apply to luxury inventory.
Post-settlement, the buyer is contractually responsible for their agent's fee through the buyer-broker agreement. But sellers can — and often still do — offer concessions toward the buyer-agent fee as part of the deal. Whether you should depends on your local market: in soft markets, concessions help close deals; in hot markets, you may not need to.
