If you’ve ever sold a home, you’ve probably heard about that big ol’ 6 percent real estate commission. It’s the fee that’s been around forever, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. But here’s the thing: those days? They might be over.
A new wave of change is shaking up how agents get paid. Sellers like you are starting to ask, “Do I really have to fork over 6 percent anymore?” Spoiler: probably not. With lawsuits, new rules, and better tech, more people are skipping tradition and saving money. Want to cut through the noise and skip the fees? Get a fast, fair, cash offer from iBuyer.com and sell on your terms, no surprises.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down: what that 6% covered, what’s changed, and what you can do now to avoid overpaying. Let’s get into it.
6 Percent Commisson
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What Is the 6 Percent Real Estate Commission?
For years, the “standard” real estate fee was 6 percent of your home’s sale price. That money usually gets split between two agents, the one helping you sell and the one helping the buyer. So if you sold your home for $500,000, about $30,000 in commission fees would come off the top.
Here’s how it typically breaks down: 3 percent goes to your listing agent, and 3 percent goes to the buyer’s agent. But those agents don’t pocket the whole amount. They share it with their brokers, cover marketing costs, and sometimes split it even further if there’s a team involved.
This system was the norm for a long time. Most sellers didn’t even question it because, well, that’s just how it was done. But change is in the air, and it’s shaking up the old model fast.
Why the 6 Percent Standard Is Changing
The old way of doing things started to crack when buyers and sellers began asking, “Why am I paying so much?” Then came a big lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The result? A huge settlement that’s changing how agent commissions work.
For a long time, sellers were expected to cover both their own agent’s fee and the buyer’s agent’s fee. That setup is now under fire. In 2025, things look different. Buyers might start paying their own agent directly, and commissions are more open to negotiation.
This shift means sellers have more power. You’re not locked into a 6% commission anymore. You can shop around, ask questions, and even skip some fees completely. The rules are changing, and for once, they’re changing in your favor.
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Really Make?
Let’s say your home sells for $500,000. At a 6% commission, that’s $30,000. But agents don’t keep all that. It gets split between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent, so each might get $15,000.
Now here’s where it gets even thinner. Each agent usually gives a chunk to their broker, often around 30% to 50%. There are also costs like marketing, photography, and office fees. By the time it’s all sliced up, the agent might walk away with half or less of that original cut.
It’s no surprise sellers are rethinking the value they’re getting for those thousands of dollars. And now that you can negotiate or use other models, those numbers matter more than ever.
Smarter Ways to Sell Without Paying 6 Percent
You don’t have to pay 6% to sell a home anymore. There are cheaper ways that can still get the job done, and sometimes even faster.
One option is using a flat-fee service. You pay a set price to list your home on the MLS, and that’s it. No big commissions. Another route is FSBO (For Sale By Owner). You skip the agent entirely, though it means handling showings and paperwork yourself.
Then there are discount brokers, agents who offer limited services for a lower fee. They might not do everything, but if your home’s in good shape and priced right, that might be all you need.
Or skip the whole circus and use an iBuyer. You get a fair, data-backed offer fast, without showings, listings, or last-minute headaches.
Is Paying 6 Percent Ever Still Worth It?
Sometimes, yes. If you’re selling a luxury home or dealing with a tricky market, a full-service agent might still be worth the cost. They handle everything, staging, showings, pricing strategy, paperwork, and negotiation.
If you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed, having someone take the lead can be a big help. In those cases, that 6% might buy you peace of mind and a smoother sale.
But don’t just assume you have to pay that much. Ask what services you’re actually getting. If an agent can’t explain their value clearly, it might be time to look elsewhere, or negotiate.
Reilly’s Two Cents
I’ve helped plenty of folks sell their homes, and trust me, this commission stuff can get confusing fast. I’ve seen sellers feel stuck, like they had no choice but to hand over a big chunk of their sale price. But that’s changing, and it’s about time.
Here’s what I always tell people:
Ask questions early. Before you sign with any agent, find out exactly what you’re paying for. If they can’t break it down in plain English, that’s a red flag.
Negotiate. Commission isn’t a fixed number. If your home is easy to sell, use that as leverage.
Selling your home is a big deal. Don’t hand over thousands without knowing what you’re getting in return.
The Bottom Line
The 6 percent rule isn’t really a rule anymore. It’s a starting point, one you can question, tweak, or skip entirely. Whether you go with a traditional agent, a flat-fee service, or sell directly through an iBuyer, the goal stays the same: sell smart, save money, and avoid surprises.
Want to sell without the commission drama? Get a fast, data-backed offer from iBuyer.com and move on your terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nope. It’s not illegal, it’s just no longer the standard. Sellers now have more freedom to negotiate fees or choose different models.
Absolutely. Always ask before you sign anything. Many agents are open to lower rates, especially in competitive markets.
It depends. Traditionally, the seller paid both agents. But with recent changes, buyers may start paying their own agent separately.
It depends on your needs. Flat-fee services are cheaper but come with less support. If your home’s in great shape, they can work well.
Ask for a breakdown of what’s included in their fee. If the value doesn’t match the price, it’s worth shopping around.
Reilly Dzurick is a seasoned real estate agent at Get Land Florida, bringing over six years of industry experience to the vibrant Vero Beach market. She is known for her deep understanding of local real estate trends and her dedication to helping clients find their dream properties. Reilly’s journey in real estate is complemented by her academic background in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication from the University of North Florida.
