Who Pays Realtor Fees in Ohio?
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
If you’re preparing to sell a home in the Buckeye State, you’re likely reviewing recent sale prices in your neighborhood and estimating potential proceeds at closing. If it’s your first home sale — or your first in a while — you may also be asking: Who pays Realtor fees in Ohio?
This question has become even more common since a major National Association of Realtors (NAR) court settlement changed how real estate agent compensation is communicated and negotiated nationwide. Beginning in August 2024, sellers are no longer presumed to cover the buyer’s agent commission, a shift from long-standing industry practice.
So what does this mean for Ohio home sellers today? In this guide, we’ll explain who typically pays Realtor fees in Ohio, how commissions are working in the current housing market, and when covering a buyer’s agent fee may still make financial sense. You’ll also find an Ohio agent commission calculator to help you estimate potential costs.
A Top Ohio Agent Can Increase Your Proceeds
Our free Agent Match tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which local agents have a proven track record for success in your Ohio market. Our data shows that top agents sell homes for as much as 10% more than average agents.
Who pays Realtor fees in Ohio?
Following the NAR settlement, some industry observers predicted homebuyers would feel pressured to pay their own Realtor fees, rerouting commission expenses away from sellers. However, this shift hasn’t materialized at scale — in Ohio or anywhere in the country. According to a nationwide HomeLight survey, 92% of top agents report that sellers are still paying their buyer’s agent commission.
Why do most sellers continue covering the buyer’s Realtor fees?
- Higher mortgage rates and affordability pressures can limit buyer budgets.
- Offering commission coverage can widen the buyer pool.
- Competitive incentives may help homes sell faster or closer to list price.
In short, the choice comes down to common-sense marketing in a hesitant housing market. Offering to pay the buyer’s agent commission and giving other concessions is a smart strategy to attract qualified buyers.
Ohio real estate agent commission calculator
If you’re planning an Ohio home sale, try the Ohio Real Estate Commission Calculator below. It lets you compare scenarios using typical statewide commission costs, which, combined, equal about 5.73% of your home’s listing price. However, you can adjust these based on the rates you expect to negotiate.
With a single toggle, you can also compare the costs of paying both agents’ commissions versus covering only your listing agent’s fees.
Are Ohio sellers required to pay the buyer’s agent?
There is no state law or mandate in Ohio that requires a home seller to pay a buyer’s agent compensation. Like everywhere else in the U.S., commission terms are fully negotiable between the parties involved.
Still, as HomeLight’s survey revealed, most sellers choose to offer this incentive because it can:
- Increase offer activity: Most buyers work with agents, and listings without compensation may receive fewer showings.
- Strengthen negotiating leverage: Competitive terms can encourage stronger or multiple offers.
- Improve sale certainty: Incentives can help deals move forward in markets where affordability remains tight.
While at first glance refusing to pay the buyer’s agent’s commission may seem like a money-saving strategy, it can actually reduce your home’s visibility, limit your offer options, and increase your home’s days on market (DOM).
Can you negotiate Realtor fees in Ohio?
Real estate agent commissions in Ohio have always been negotiable. Below are several strategies Ohio sellers sometimes consider:
- Request a lower rate: Some Ohio agents may be willing to accept a lower commission percentage, especially for higher-priced homes or in more competitive markets, such as Columbus, Cincinnati, or suburban Cleveland.
- Adjust the commission split: You can propose a different percentage on the commission split, or decide to only cover your listing agent’s fee and offer an alternate concession to the buyer. (More about concessions below.)
- Tie commission to performance: You can agree to pay a higher rate if the home sells above your target price and a lower rate if it sells below your goal price.
- Use a flat-fee listing service: Some Ohio brokerages offer à la carte listing services at a flat rate rather than the traditional commission model. However, this option can have drawbacks, such as lower net proceeds, a disappointing selling experience, or more effort on your part. The flat-fee option might be a better fit for repeat sellers.
Remember: A strong, top-rated Ohio agent who prices, markets, and negotiates effectively can often offset their commission by securing a higher offer and smoother closing.
Additional free tools to help you plan your Ohio home sale:
- Home Value Estimator
- Net Proceeds Calculator
- Best Time to Sell Calculator
- Recently Sold Homes (Ohio)
What other concessions can help an Ohio home sell?
If you decide not to cover the buyer’s agent commission — or you just want to strengthen your listing overall — other incentives can still motivate buyers. Some examples of common seller concessions include:
- Closing cost credits to ease upfront expenses
- Repair credits instead of completing work before closing
- Home warranties for peace of mind on older Midwest homes
- Interest rate buydowns to reduce early mortgage payments
A recent HomeLight survey found that the top concessions being offered by sellers today are:
- Repair credits (52%)
- Closing cost help (50%)
- Interest rate buydowns (21%)
These strategies are especially useful in markets where affordability challenges play a bigger role in how buyers approach the negotiating table.
In Ohio and the Midwest region, 67% of top real estate agents reported an increase in sale price reductions in their markets over the past 12 months, indicating that Ohio home sellers need to be prepared to offer buyer incentives and negotiate to close a sale.
How Much Is Your Ohio Home Worth?
Home values in Ohio have increased significantly in recent years. How much is your home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
Why a top Ohio agent can net you more proceeds
Reducing commission costs may sound appealing, but your final sale price typically matters more than the percentage you pay.
HomeLight data shows top agents can sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents. On a $250,000 Ohio home, that difference could approach $25,000 in additional proceeds.
A leading Ohio agent can help you:
- Understand local commission expectations
- Evaluate concession strategies based on current demand
- Compare offers beyond headline price
- Navigate Ohio disclosure requirements and closing details
Commission rules may change, but strategy still matters
No matter how agent commission practices may change, the fundamentals of selling a home in Ohio remain consistent: buyers want professional guidance, and sellers want the strongest possible offer.
The most effective starting point is partnering with a knowledgeable local agent who understands pricing trends across markets from Toledo to Columbus to Cleveland — and who can recommend the right mix of commission structure, incentives, and negotiation strategy.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and real customer reviews to connect you with top Ohio agents based on your goals. Whether you decide to offer buyer-agent compensation or pursue another approach, the objective is the same: a confident, profitable sale.
For more expert insights and seller resources, visit HomeLight’s Home Seller Resource Center.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/ Pexels)
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