Average Real Estate Commission in Denver in 2025

Thinking about selling your home in Denver? One of the first questions you probably have is, “How much will this actually cost me?” You’re not alone, real estate commission fees can feel like a mystery, and the truth is, they can eat up a big chunk of your sale price.

In 2025, the average real estate commission in Denver hovers around 5.5% to 6%. That’s tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your home’s value. But here’s the kicker: most sellers don’t realize they’re also covering the buyer’s agent, not just their own.

The good news? You’ve got options. Whether you want to negotiate a better rate, go the For Sale By Owner route, or skip the middle steps entirely, this guide breaks it all down.

Let’s unpack the real cost of selling a home in Denver, and how to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Who Pays Real Estate Commission in Denver?

Here’s the simple version: in most Denver home sales, the seller pays the commission for both their agent and the buyer’s agent. Yep, you’re paying for someone else’s agent too. It’s been the norm for decades, even though it feels a little backwards.

The total commission, usually around 5.5% to 6%, gets split between the two agents involved. That amount comes right out of your home sale proceeds, so while it doesn’t feel like you’re cutting a check, the cost is baked into the deal.

Why is it done this way? Mostly tradition. The idea is that making it “free” for buyers encourages more offers. But with recent legal changes, including pressure from the National Association of Realtors, some sellers are starting to push back.

We’ll dig into those changes next, but for now, just know that if you’re selling in Denver, you’re likely responsible for both sides of the commission bill unless you work out a different deal.

What Is the Average Commission Rate in Denver?

As of 2025, most Denver sellers are paying between 5.5% and 6% in total real estate commission. That full percentage usually gets split 50/50 between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. So if your home sells for $600,000, you’re looking at around $33,000 to $36,000 in commission costs.

That’s a big number, but it’s pretty standard across Colorado. In fact, Denver’s rates are right in line with what you’ll see in cities like Colorado Springs or Fort Collins. What changes is the home price. Higher prices mean bigger checks to agents.

Here’s the breakdown in a nutshell:

• Listing agent: 2.5% to 3%
• Buyer’s agent: 2.5% to 3%
• Total: 5.5% to 6%

Some sellers try to shave that down by negotiating or working with discount brokers (we’ll get into that soon). But for now, it helps to know what the typical numbers look like, so you’re not caught off guard when you see your closing sheet.

How Recent Changes From the National Association of Realtors Affect You

In the past year, the real estate world’s been shaken up, mostly thanks to lawsuits and settlements involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The big headline? Some of the rules around how buyer agents get paid are changing, and it could impact how commissions work here in Denver.

Before, sellers almost always paid the buyer’s agent. But now, with more transparency and legal pressure, it’s becoming more common for buyers to pay their own agents or at least negotiate their fees separately.

What does this mean for you as a seller? You might still pay both agents, but you now have more freedom to question that setup. In some deals, especially with cash buyers or discount brokerages, you might only be covering your own agent’s fee, or none at all.

Can You Negotiate Real Estate Agent Commission in Colorado?

Absolutely, you can (and should) negotiate commission in Colorado. Agent fees aren’t set in stone, even though they often seem like they are. Most agents expect you to ask, and some already have flexible pricing built in.

In Denver, listing agents usually charge around 2.5% to 3%, but if your home is in a hot neighborhood or expected to sell fast, you’ve got more leverage. You might also be able to adjust the buyer’s agent commission, though this can affect how many buyers come through the door.

Here are a few ways to open that conversation:

• Ask about tiered pricing (lower rates if your home sells fast)
• Shop around, interview at least 2–3 agents
• Offer fewer services if you’re confident handling some tasks yourself

Also, keep in mind that dual agency, where one agent represents both buyer and seller, is legal in Colorado, but rare. If it comes up, know that it doesn’t always mean lower fees.

What Services Do Real Estate Agents Provide in Denver?

If you’re paying thousands in commission, it’s fair to ask: What am I getting for my money? A good real estate agent in Denver does more than put your home on the MLS. They’re your guide, negotiator, and local market expert rolled into one.

Here’s what top agents usually handle:

• Pricing strategy based on local comps and market trends
• Pre-sale prep, like advice on repairs or staging
• Marketing your home with pro photos, listings, and open houses
• Handling offers and counteroffers so you get the best deal
• Navigating inspections and closing without drama

That said, not all agents are created equal. Some offer a more full-service experience, while others run lean and expect you to pitch in. If you’re paying close to 6%, you should expect hands-on support from start to finish.

How to Save on Commission When You Sell a Home

You’re not stuck paying 6%, there are real ways to save when you sell a home in Denver. The key is knowing your options and picking what fits your timeline and comfort level.

Here are a few solid paths:

• Discount brokers: These agents charge less (some as low as 1%) but might offer fewer services.
• For Sale By Owner (FSBO): You skip agent fees completely but take on the work yourself. Be ready for paperwork, showings, and negotiations.
• iBuyers: Want to skip the hassle and get a fair cash offer? This route skips listings, showings, and commissions entirely in many cases.

The Denver real estate market in 2025 is still competitive, but sellers have more tools than ever to control their costs. A little strategy here could save you thousands, without sacrificing your bottom line.

Wrapping up

Real estate commission in Denver isn’t small change. At 5.5% to 6%, it can seriously eat into your profits. But the good news? You’ve got more power than ever to ask questions, negotiate, or skip the whole system if it doesn’t work for you.

Whether you go with a top local agent, try a DIY route, or want to sell without the usual headaches, knowing what’s typical (and what’s flexible) puts you in control.

Just Ask Jordan

I’ve helped a lot of folks buy and sell homes across Denver, and I get these questions all the time. If you’re thinking about selling, here’s what you should know, from someone who’s seen it all.

Jordan Wagner

Jordan specializes in providing top-quality services to clients looking to buy or sell properties in the real estate market. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the real estate industry, Jordan Wagner is dedicated to helping his clients find their ideal forever home. He works closely with his clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout the entire buying process. The qualities above make Jordan one of the best agent in the Denver area. If you’re looking for top-notch real estate services, contact Jordan today.

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