Who Pays Realtor Fees?

While the NAR settlement rule changes provide more transparency and flexibility, the prevailing advice from experienced agents is simple: If you want to get your home sold in a market filled with hesitant buyers, offer to pay their agent fees.

Real estate agent commission calculator

But how much will combined Realtor fees cost you as a seller? Or what if you decide not to offer a buyer’s agent commission? We’ve built a simple calculator to help you see cost estimates and options, depending on the commission rates you negotiate. Use it to compare different arrangements based on your expected sale price.

Do sellers have to pay a buyer’s agent commission?

Short answer: no, but as HomeLight’s nationwide survey revealed, most still do. 

Here’s why the majority of sellers still choose to offer a buyer’s agent commission:

• It broadens your buyer pool: Most buyers work with agents. If their agent won’t be compensated by you, buyers may skip your home altogether or ask you to cover it anyway in the offer.
• It strengthens your negotiating power: Sellers who offer to cover the buyer’s agent fees usually get more serious interest, and that can lead to better terms or even multiple offers.
• It aligns with today’s market: In our 2026 survey, agents told us that in this kind of market, paying the buyer’s agent commission and offering concessions are often key to getting a deal across the finish line.

While you can choose not to cover this cost, it could mean fewer buyers see your home, and it may take longer to sell or not sell for as much.

Can you negotiate Realtor fees?

Yes, real estate commissions are always negotiable. That was true before the NAR settlement, and it remains true today. Whether you’re talking to a listing agent or considering what to offer a buyer’s agent, here are a few ways you can negotiate commissions:

• Set a lower total commission rate: Some listing agents may agree to a lower rate, especially on higher-priced homes or in more active markets.
• Adjust how the commission is split: You can propose a different percentage split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, or offer to pay only your own agent and leave the buyer to cover their own representation.
• Use a tiered or performance-based model: For example, you might agree to a total 5.5% commission if the home sells for your target price, and 5% if it sells below that.
• Opt for limited or flat-fee service: In some cases, especially for experienced sellers, it may make sense to work with a flat-fee or à la carte brokerage that charges less in exchange for fewer services.

That said, the commission should be weighed alongside the results. An experienced agent who charges more may still help you walk away with more net proceeds by pricing the home right, staging it well, and attracting stronger offers.

What other concessions can sweeten a deal?

If you’re unsure about covering the buyer’s agent commission or looking for ways to make your listing more attractive, seller concessions can be a powerful tool.

Here are common seller-paid incentives that can help close the deal:

• Closing cost credits: Sellers can offer to cover a portion of the buyer’s closing costs to help lower what they need to pay upfront.
• Interest rate buydowns: You might contribute to a temporary buydown to lower the buyer’s mortgage rate for the first year or two.
• Repair credits: Rather than fixing everything post-inspection, some sellers offer a credit so the buyer can address items themselves after closing.
• Home warranty coverage: Covering the first year of a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind and set your home apart.

In a market where affordability is challenging, these kinds of concessions and a solid buyer’s agent commission can help your home stand out and sell faster.

What if I want to skip agent commissions altogether?

If you would rather avoid paying agent commissions, you may want to consider an alternative to the traditional listing process. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects sellers with one of the largest networks of pre-approved cash buyers across the country, allowing you to sell directly instead of listing your home with an agent. 

You can request a no-obligation cash offer and potentially sell in as little as seven days. There is no staging, no open houses, and no need to coordinate showings around your schedule. Because you are selling directly to a cash buyer, you can avoid the traditional listing process and the commissions that typically come with it.

For sellers who value convenience and want a simpler way to sell, Simple Sale can be a practical alternative. While you can avoid commissions, note that this convenience comes with a tradeoff, as selling directly to a cash buyer may mean accepting less than you might net from a traditional sale.

Why top agents can still net you more

With more flexibility around commissions, it can be tempting to chase the lowest rate, cut what you offer a buyer’s agent, or even skip them altogether by working with real estate investors. But selling a home is not just about saving on costs. It’s about what you actually walk away with in the end.

A strong, top-performing agent brings pricing expertise, marketing strategy, and sharp negotiation skills that can ultimately help you net more from the sale. In fact, HomeLight’s internal transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.

Working with a trusted agent can also help you:

• Understand your local market norms for buyer agent fees
• Decide what level of commission makes sense for your goals
• Evaluate offers and concessions in the context of current demand
• Navigate changing rules with confidence

And when you work with a top agent, you’ll likely have a clearer picture of what your home is worth and what you can expect to net, even if you’re offering to pay both sides of the commission.

Know Your Home’s Value First

Your home’s value plays a big role in how much commissions will cost and what you’ll ultimately keep. Get an estimate today so you can better understand your potential proceeds.

Get Estimate

Commission rules change, but strategy still matters

The rules may have changed, but the basics of selling a home haven’t. Buyers still need representation. Sellers still want strong offers. In the end, smart commission strategies help bridge the gap, and that starts with hiring a proven real estate agent who earns their commission.

Connect with top-performing local agents in your area through our Agent Match platform. This free tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

Whether you decide to pay the buyer’s agent commission or not, make sure your approach supports your bigger goal: a successful sale with the best possible outcome.

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