Are real estate commissions going down?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Mar 01, 2026
The average brokerage fee in the United States fell to an all-time low in 2020, remaining below 5%. Real Trends, a Colorado-based research firm that issues a widely cited survey on the topic, says the average commission slid to 4.94% in 2020 from 4.96% in 2019 and 5.03% in 2018.
How do you negotiate a seller’s commission?
Here are some home selling tips for negotiating real estate commission:
- Study the real estate market.
- Offer to share the work.
- Sell in off-season.
- Vacate early.
- Buy with your listing agent.
- Offer multiple listings.
What kind of commission do real estate agents get?
Typically listing agents work under split commission. When the seller pays a listing agent, for example, 6% commission, that agent will split it with the agent who brought the buyer to the home. However, fees should always be negotiable. Now’s the time to get started selling a house, but it’s not time to stop asking questions.
What are the best questions to ask a real estate agent?
Additionally, 76 percent of sellers are also looking for an agent that respects their personal values. The best way to find the right agent is asking smart interview questions and listening for insightful answers. These are the most important questions to ask a real estate agent: What’s included in your services? Is your fee negotiable?
When are you committed to a real estate agent?
home in your area. Once you sign a buyer’s agent agreement, you are legally obligated to work with that agent. So, it’s wise to read this document carefully. If you try to switch to a different agent during this period without canceling this contract, you could land in legal hot water.
Can a real estate agent show less than the going rate?
You absolutely could. But, some people will tell you that if you offer less than the “going rate” to buyer’s agents, they won’t show your home. But in general, this isn’t true.