Most people selling a home assume they’ll pay a 3% commission to their agent, and that’s just how it works. But what if that number isn’t set in stone? In 2025, more sellers are asking hard questions about what they’re really getting for that 3%. Some are skipping it entirely.
In this article, I’ll break down what a 3% commission actually covers, why it’s been the standard for so long, and the ways you might pay less, or nothing at all.
Want to skip the fees entirely? Get your free cash offer from iBuyer.com today, you pick your closing date.
Instant Valuation, Confidential Deals with a Certified iBuyer.com Specialist.
Sell Smart, Sell Fast, Get Sold. No Obligations.
3 Percent Commission
How Real Estate Commission Works (Including That 3%)
When you sell a home, you don’t just pay your agent, you’re usually paying two. That 3% goes to your listing agent, but another 2.5–3% often goes to the buyer’s agent too. So sellers end up covering both sides, which means total commission costs can hit 5–6%.
That money comes out of your sale price at closing. So if your home sells for $500,000, a 3% fee is $15,000. And that’s just for one agent. Add in the buyer’s agent, and you’re looking at $25,000–$30,000 in total commission.
What does that fee actually cover? Usually, it pays for things like listing photos, showings, paperwork, and negotiations. But not all agents do the same amount of work, and not all of them earn their cut.
Who Really Pays the Buyer’s Agent Fee?
Here’s the wild part, most sellers don’t realize they’re paying for the buyer’s agent too. Even though the buyer brings the offer, it’s usually the seller who covers that agent’s 2.5–3% fee out of their own proceeds at closing.
This setup has been standard for decades, but it’s changing. Thanks to a recent settlement with the National Association of Realtors, commissions are becoming more flexible. In some cases, buyers might now pay their own agent directly.
Still, many sellers keep covering the fee to stay competitive. If you don’t offer a buyer’s agent commission, you could get fewer offers, or none at all. That’s why it’s key to understand not just what you’re paying, but why.
Are 3% Real Estate Commission Rates Still Fair?
For years, 3% per agent was the go-to rate. It felt normal, like tipping 20% at a restaurant. But just like tipping, not everyone agrees on what’s fair.
Some agents go all out: pro photos, staging help, nonstop communication. Others? Not so much. So paying the same flat rate no matter what can feel… off.
Real estate brokerages argue that 3% helps cover costs and keeps agents motivated. But in 2025, with more online tools and buyer-savvy sellers, that fee is getting harder to justify. You might find agents offering discounts, or flat fees, instead of sticking to the old model.
Bottom line: 3% isn’t a law. It’s just a habit. And habits can change.
What Are the Alternatives to The 3% Commission?
You’re not stuck with the old-school 3% setup. These days, more sellers are turning to flat-fee agents or discount brokers to cut costs without losing support.
Flat-fee agents charge a set amount, like $3,000, no matter your home’s price. That means you keep more of your sale. Discount brokers might take 1% or 2%, but still offer solid service, especially if your home is easy to sell.
Some platforms, like Ideal Agent or Redfin, connect you with agents offering lower rates. Others offer à la carte services, so you only pay for what you use.
And of course, there’s the zero-fee route, skip agents altogether and go with a cash offer. Fewer steps, faster close, and no commission to worry about.
How to Negotiate Realtor Commission Like a Pro
You can negotiate real estate commissions, really. It’s not rude, and most agents expect it. You just need to ask the right way.
Start by asking what’s included in their fee. If you’re doing some of the work, like staging or marketing, see if they’ll drop the rate. If you’re selling a higher-priced home, you’ve got more leverage since the agent will earn more even at a lower percentage.
Don’t be afraid to compare agents. Let them know you’re shopping around. Some will offer to match or beat other offers, especially if they think your home will sell fast.
And if an agent says their fee isn’t flexible? That tells you something too.
Reilly’s Two Cents
I’ve helped a lot of sellers who weren’t sure if paying 3% was worth it. I get it, it’s a big chunk of money, and when the agent doesn’t explain what you’re getting for that fee, it feels like a rip-off. Sometimes, 3% made sense because the agent worked hard and brought in top-dollar offers. Other times, not so much.
Here’s my advice: always ask for a breakdown of what your agent will do for you. Don’t settle for vague promises, get a list. Compare at least two or three agents before you decide. A lower fee doesn’t always mean worse service, just like a higher one doesn’t guarantee great results.
If you’re thinking about skipping a full-service agent, be honest about what you’re comfortable handling yourself. Selling a home isn’t rocket science, but it does take work, and confidence helps a lot. Whether you choose a traditional agent, a flat-fee model, or a cash offer, the key is knowing your options and picking the one that fits your situation.
Wrapping Up
Three percent might still be the standard, but it’s no longer the only option. Sellers today have more tools, more leverage, and more choices than ever before. That means you get to decide what’s fair for the service you’re getting.
Whether you go with a traditional agent, try a discount model, or skip commissions entirely, what matters most is getting the deal that works for you.
Want to avoid commission fees altogether? Get a no-obligation cash offer from iBuyer.com, close fast, skip the drama.
Compare Cash Offers from Top Home Buyers. Delivered by Your Local iBuyer Certified Specialist.
One Expert, Multiple Offers, No Obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s an agent who charges 3% of your home’s sale price as their fee. This is usually just the seller’s agent, buyers’ agents often get another 2.5–3%.
Nope. Some charge more, some less. You’ll also find flat-fee agents who charge a set price, no matter what your home sells for.
Yes! Commission rates aren’t set in stone. Most agents are open to discussing their fee, especially if your home is easy to sell.
Traditionally, sellers covered this fee. But new rules allow buyers to pay their agent directly, though sellers might still offer it as a competitive move.
It depends. With a flat-fee or discount agent, your total might drop to 3–4%. And with a direct cash sale, it could be $0.
Discount brokerages, flat-fee agents, or platforms like iBuyer.com that let you sell directly and skip agent fees entirely
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.
