Average Real Estate Agent Commission Rates: 2026 Survey

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The current average real estate commission in the U.S. is approximately 5.70%, divided between the listing agent (2.88%) and the buyer's agent (2.82%). For a home valued at the median price of $373,000, this translates to around $21,300 in total realtor fees. View commission rates in your state.

However, real estate agent fees aren't set in stone. The most effective way to reduce your selling costs is to reduce the commission you pay. You can negotiate realtor fees yourself, or partner with a low commission real estate company that pre-negotiates a 1.5% listing fee on your behalf.

Clever Real Estate can help you save thousands on realtor fees by connecting you with top-rated agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee (instead of the nationwide average of 2.88%). The typical home seller saves $6,900!

Get connected with local agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee today.

Real estate commission calculator

Our real estate commission calculator helps you see what you can expect to pay in real estate commission in your home state.

Choose your state below for the average agent commission or enter a custom commission rate. The default home price is based on the state's median home value.[1]

Home sale price $373,000
Drag the slider to match your home's expected sale price.
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Traditional commission
2.88% listing + 2.82% buyer's agent
With Clever
1.5% listing + 2.82% buyer's agent
When you find your agent through Clever, your listing fee is just 1.5% instead of 2.88%.
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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 5.70%, but ranged from a low of 4.50% to a high of 6.20%.

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.

Average realtor commission rates by state

Data includes responses from 533 agents. Source: Clever Real Estate — Real Estate Commission Survey, 2026.

Before you sell, it's wise to understand your area's average total agent fees. This knowledge will help you make decisions that match your financial needs and selling goals.

Across the country, real estate commissions are typically 4.50% to 6.20%, 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:

Alabama 5.96% 3.00% 2.96%
Alaska 5.52% 2.78% 2.73%
Arizona 5.82% 2.92% 2.90%
Arkansas 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
California 5.47% 2.74% 2.73%
Colorado 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
Connecticut 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
Delaware 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
Florida 5.57% 2.82% 2.75%
Georgia 5.66% 2.86% 2.80%
Hawaii 5.52% 2.78% 2.73%
Idaho 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
Illinois 5.54% 2.72% 2.81%
Indiana 5.50% 2.85% 2.65%
Iowa 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Kansas 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Kentucky 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
Louisiana 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
Maine 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
Maryland 5.41% 2.64% 2.77%
Massachusetts 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
Michigan 6.20% 3.11% 3.09%
Minnesota 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Mississippi 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
Missouri 5.93% 2.98% 2.96%
Montana 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
Nebraska 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Nevada 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
New Hampshire 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
New Jersey 5.20% 2.50% 2.70%
New Mexico 5.82% 2.92% 2.90%
New York 5.69% 2.76% 2.93%
North Carolina 5.52% 2.73% 2.80%
North Dakota 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Ohio 5.90% 2.80% 3.10%
Oklahoma 5.82% 2.92% 2.90%
Oregon 5.52% 2.78% 2.73%
Pennsylvania 5.77% 2.80% 2.97%
Rhode Island 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
South Carolina 5.88% 2.97% 2.91%
South Dakota 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Tennessee 6.05% 3.10% 2.95%
Texas 5.88% 2.95% 2.93%
Utah 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
Vermont 5.56% 2.67% 2.90%
Virginia 5.50% 2.75% 2.75%
Washington 5.90% 3.15% 2.75%
Washington, D.C. 4.50% 2.50% 2.00%
West Virginia 5.66% 2.84% 2.82%
Wisconsin 5.84% 2.88% 2.96%
Wyoming 5.70% 2.73% 2.98%
National average5.70%2.82%2.88%

Most and least expensive states

To give a clear picture of commission costs across various states, we've organized our findings in two straightforward ways: by total dollar amount and by rate. This approach helps us see the full story of state expenses.

Most expensive states by dollars spent

First, we look at states based on the total dollars spent. This view is all about the actual money involved - the average amount a seller in each state spends. It's a more concrete way of seeing which states spend the most and least in real terms.

Most expensive by dollars spent

StateCommission
1Hawaii$46,104
2California$42,423
3Massachusetts$37,479
4Washington$35,595
5Colorado$31,030

Least expensive by dollars spent

StateCommission
1West Virginia$10,341
2Mississippi$11,231
3Louisiana$12,337
4Arkansas$12,942
5Oklahoma$13,120

Most expensive states by commission rate

Next, we focus on the commission rate. It tells us how expensive commission is as a percentage, like a quick snapshot of how much more or less each state charges compared to others. It can help show which states are relatively more costly or affordable.

Most expensive by commission rate

StateCommission
1Michigan6.20%
2Tennessee6.05%
3Alabama5.96%
4Missouri5.94%
5Washington5.90%

Least expensive by commission rate

StateCommission
1Washington DC4.50%
2New Jersey5.20%
3Maryland5.41%
4California5.47%
5Indiana5.50%

Average commission rates by region

Real estate commission doesn't just vary from state to state — clear regional patterns emerge, shaped by local home values, competition among agents, and market conditions. The breakdown below groups all 50 states and Washington, D.C. into six regions, ranked from the lowest average commission to the highest (the U.S. average is 5.70%). Expand any region to see how its states compare and what's driving the local rate.

Pacific 5.52%
Alaska5.52%
Hawaii5.52%
Oregon5.52%

The Pacific shows a similar trend as other regions, where states with higher property values, like Hawaii and California, have lower percentage-based commission rates. This is likely due to the larger dollar amounts involved in transactions, allowing for lower percentage rates while maintaining profitability for agents.

Northeast 5.56%

The Northeast region, known for its diverse markets ranging from rural landscapes to bustling metropolitan areas, shows an average commission rate of 5.56%.

This could be attributed to the high competition driving rates down among agents in high-property value areas like New Jersey compared to states like Pennsylvania, which has a wider range of home values across the state.

Southeast 5.66%

The Southeast presents a more varied landscape than other regions, with an average commission rate of 5.66%. This region's diverse economic conditions contribute to its variability. Population centers with high property values like Washington DC have lower rates compared to Tennessee, a large state with wide-ranging home values.

Rocky Mountains 5.70%
Idaho5.70%
Montana5.70%
Nevada5.70%
Utah5.70%
Wyoming5.70%

The Rocky Mountain states have higher commission rates than neighboring regions, possibly compensating for the lower overall property values.

Southwest 5.82%
Arizona5.82%
Texas5.88%

The Southwest, encompassing just four states, has an average rate of 5.82%. This smaller sample size may impact the average rate, reflecting specific market conditions in Texas and Arizona.

These areas have seen significant growth and development, potentially influencing the higher commission rates.

Midwest 5.84%
Indiana5.50%
Iowa5.84%
Kansas5.84%
Ohio5.90%

The Midwest clocks in with a 5.84% average rate. This region's real estate market is marked by urban and rural settings, with states like Illinois and Indiana offering some of the lowest rates.

However, with their lower average property values, states like Ohio and Michigan tend to have higher rates, impacting the overall regional average.

Home sellers are paying slightly more in real estate commission than they were just two years ago.

Total fees had been on the decline in recent years, in part because of declining buyer's agent fees. However, the past two surveys conducted by Clever demonstrate a reversal of that trend. Total realtor commission, especially buyer's agent commission, has been on the rise.

Our latest findings show yet another increase in average buyer's agent commission, from 2.67% in March 2025 to 2.82% in February 2026. That's a 5.62% relative increase over less than a year.

Here's what our past five years of agent surveys have told us about the national average real estate commission:[2]

  • Total real estate commission stands at 5.70% in 2026. That's a 3.64% relative increase from 5.50% in 2021.
  • Listing agent commission rose slightly overall from 2.72% to 2.88% over five years.
  • Buyer's agent commission dropped from 2.70% in 2021 to 2.58% in 2024, but has since increased to 2.82% in 2026.
5.3%5.4%5.5%5.6%5.7% Average commission % 5.70% 2023202420252026 5.3%5.4%5.5%5.6%5.7% 5.70% 2023202420252026
National average
We gather our commission rate data from an annual survey of our partner agents. The survey asks about standard local rates for both listing and buying agents.

What percentage commission do real estate agents charge?

ServiceCommission rateCost
Listing agent2.88%$10,742
Buyer's agent2.82%$10,518
Total5.70%$21,261
Note: Estimated costs based on the median U.S. home price of $372,995 using average commission rates. Actual costs may vary depending on your location and specific sale prices.

Total realtor commission ranges from 4.50% to 6.20%, with a nationwide average of 5.70% of the property's selling price. The total is usually split between the seller's and buyer's agents.

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

While average realtor commission for the seller's agent is 2.88%, it can range anywhere from 1.00% to 4.00%, depending on the specifics of the selling situation. Based on this range, on a $372,995 home sale, the listing agent would get $3,730 to $14,920.

Listing commission rates can vary by as much as 40%, depending on where you live.

Average realtor commission for buyer's agents

Nationwide, buyer's agent commission averages 2.82%, but can range from 1.00% to 4.00%.

That range means that on a $372,995 home sale, the buyer's agent would get anywhere from $3,730 to $14,920.

Depending on your state, the buyer's agent commission rates can vary by three percentage points. That's a significant cost difference.

Why commission rates vary by state and region

Home value differences

One key factor driving differences in real estate commission rates across states and regions is the variance in home values. Property values fluctuate widely from one area to another, likely directly impacting commission rates.

We often see lower percentage-based commission rates in regions with higher-value properties, such as New York and California. The rationale behind this is straightforward: even with a lower percentage, high-value properties still yield high total commissions due to higher sale prices. So agents are generally more willing to accept a lower rate in those states.

Yet, in areas where property values are lower, like in some parts of Ohio, commission rates tend to be higher in percentage terms. This is because the total commission earned on lower-value homes would be significantly less if the percentage rate were as low as in high-value areas.

State variations in realtor commission disclosure

Real estate commission disclosure practices vary significantly from state to state, and these variations influence how and when commission rates are disclosed to buyers and sellers in the real estate transaction process. These differences can also impact the commission rates themselves.

Some states have stringent requirements for disclosing commission rates. This could include mandating the inclusion of commission rates in the listing agreement or requiring that these rates be communicated at specific stages of the transaction.

For example, in Washington State, a new commission law mandates that real estate agents secure a brokerage services agreement with both buyers and sellers before offering any services.[3] This includes upfront communication about realtor commission and other service costs.

Other states, such as Texas, don't require an exact timing and method for disclosing commissions. These states emphasize clear communication of all costs, including realtor commissions, without being bound to a set schedule or format.

Dual agency

The legality of dual agency, where a single realtor represents both the buyer and seller in a transaction, varies by state and can influence the commission you pay. Some states, such as Colorado and Oklahoma, have outlawed dual agency entirely.[4]

In states where dual agency is permitted, it could potentially reduce overall commission costs, as one agent handles both sides of the deal (and, therefore, may be willing to accept a lower overall commission rate).

However, this practice has complexities and potential conflicts of interest.

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.

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.

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.

Why should sellers offer buyer's agent commission?

Here are a few reasons to offer this concession during negotiations:

  • It will likely attract more potential purchasers for your home.
  • Your home will be affordable to more buyers since they won't have to pay their agent's commission in addition to the down payment and closing costs.
  • Agents will be motivated to showcase your property to their clients, increasing your chances of securing multiple offers.

Recent buyer's agent commission trends

Buyer's agent commissions can rise and fall with seasonality and other factors, such as the state of the market in your area.

Nationally, buyer's agent commission has averaged 2.60% over the past six months.

Here's how buyer's agent commission has trended over that time:[5]

  • February 2026: 2.66%
  • January 2026: 2.60%
  • December 2025: 2.55%
  • November 2025: 2.57%
  • October 2025: 2.61%
  • September 2025: 2.62%

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 offer.

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 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 price5% commission5.5% commission6% 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

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 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 going the for sale by owner (FSBO) route. Additionally, the National Association of Realtors reported that FSBO homes sell for approximately $100,000 less than those sold through realtors.[6]
  • Commission sharing. Listing agents don't retain the entire commission from a home sale. This fee is shared with the buyer's agent and 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.[7]

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 free, providing a no-risk opportunity for sellers.

Negotiate the commission rate directly with your realtor

While realtor commissions aren't 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. In such cases, the agent can secure a quicker sale with less effort.
  • 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 without a realtor 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.[8]
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

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. Our February 2026 survey includes responses from 533 partner real estate agents across the United States. The survey asked agents to report typical commission rates for buyer and seller 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 survey data to calculate average commission rates. We considered regional variations and market trends to ensure the data reflected 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 August 2026. 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 aligned 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 aren't fixed by law and are always negotiable. We aim to give home sellers 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 our readers can access the latest information.

As a former real estate agent and active investor who has completed dozens of transactions and paid various commission rates in multiple markets, author Steve Nicastro understands how these fees can impact your bottom line.

Why you can trust us

Clever has earned home buyers’ and home sellers’ trust with more than 4,200 5-star customer ratings on Trustpilot.

Our team is committed to making home selling more transparent by educating sellers through guides like this one. Our writers, editors, and industry-leading researchers strive to provide readers with the most up-to-date, accurate, and useful information.

For this article, our team conducted in-depth research on real estate commission rates across the U.S. as well as other market research, including:

As our primary sources update, we refresh the data in our series accordingly. Learn more about why you can trust our articles.

Additional resources for home sellers

Article Sources

[1] Zillow – "Housing Data". Updated August 2026.
[2] Clever Real Estate – "Internal Survey".
[4] Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies – "Colorado Brokerage Relationship Disclosures".
[5] Clever Real Estate – "Internal Survey".
[6] National Association of Realtors – "NAR Member Profile 2024.".
[8] National Association of Realtors – "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers".

About the author — Steve Nicastro

Steve Nicastro is a Managing Editor at Clever Real Estate, the nation's leading real estate education platform for home buyers, sellers, and investors. Prior to joining Clever, Steve helped buyers and sellers navigate a challenging real estate market in Charleston, S.C., closing $6 million in transaction volume for 2020 and 2021.

Over his career, Steve has bought and sold over 30 homes with a total value exceeding $8 million. This includes 20 homes as a realtor, 7 as an investor, and 3 as a primary homeowner and for sale by owner (FSBO) seller. Steve successfully used a local flat fee MLS service to get the FSBO properties marketed online, saving on commission costs.

Steve also worked as a personal finance writer for NerdWallet for over 6 years. His work has been published at USA Today, The Associated Press, U.S. News, and the New York Times, among other online publications.