Start free
Glossary term

Real estate commission

Real estate commission is the compensation brokerages receive for representing sellers or buyers, often a percentage of the sale price, set in the listing agreement or buyer agreement. It's negotiable. After the 2024 NAR settlement practice changes, offers of compensation to buyer brokers can't be made on the MLS, and buyer compensation is set in written agreements.

Why agents care

Commission conversations are more explicit than they used to be. Calculators that show the arithmetic without suggesting a rate help keep those conversations clear and compliant.

Example

Example: on a $425,000 sale, a negotiated listing-side compensation of 2.75% is $11,687.50 before the brokerage split.

Questions by topic

Real estate commission: common questions

Is there a standard commission rate?

No. Commission is negotiable and varies by agreement.

Where is buyer-agent compensation set now?

In the written buyer agreement, and sometimes through seller concessions negotiated in the offer.

Put these numbers in front of your visitors

Calculators with built-in definitions, free on the Agent plan.

Start free Compare plans

No card needed on the Agent plan · 14-day free trial on Team and Brokerage