{"id":21042,"date":"2026-10-16T09:39:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ibuyer.com\/blog\/?p=21042"},"modified":"2026-10-16T09:39:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:39:46","slug":"realtor-fees-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ibuyer.com\/blog\/realtor-fees-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"Realtor Fees in New York: Are They Negotiable?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Realtor fees in New York typically range from 5% to 6%<\/strong> of the sale price, though the statewide average has compressed to roughly 4.62% to 5.69%<\/strong> in 2026 depending on the region and market conditions. Fees are fully negotiable by law, and several alternatives now let sellers pay far less or nothing in traditional commission.<\/p>\n

On a $650,000 home<\/strong> (close to the 2026 New York statewide median), a 5.5% commission equals $35,750<\/strong> taken off the top at closing. That figure varies by region: Manhattan sellers often see commission compressed to 5% to 6% on complex co-op deals, Brooklyn typically runs 3% to 4%, while upstate markets like Buffalo, Syracuse, or Albany tend to see the full 5% to 6% range. Long Island falls in between, with most transactions settling at 5% to 5.5%.<\/p>\n

This guide covers how commission is calculated and split, what New York sellers actually receive for the fee, how the August 2024 NAR settlement changed the rules, and how to negotiate or eliminate commission costs in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n

How Real Estate Commission Works in New York<\/h2>\n

A real estate commission is the fee paid to licensed agents for facilitating a home sale. It is calculated as a percentage of the final sale price, agreed upon before the property is listed, and deducted from the seller’s proceeds at closing. The seller pays nothing upfront.<\/p>\n

The total commission is typically split between two agents: the listing agent (representing the seller) and the buyer’s agent (representing the buyer). Each agent then shares their cut with their brokerage. A 5.5% total commission on a $500,000 sale produces $27,500 in total fees, roughly $13,750 to each side before brokerage splits.<\/p>\n

For a full breakdown of selling costs beyond commission, see the guide to New York seller closing costs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who pays real estate commission in New York?<\/h3>\n

In most New York transactions, the seller pays the full commission. It is deducted from sale proceeds at closing, so the seller never writes a separate check. The title company or attorney handles the disbursement.<\/p>\n

Buyers are not entirely unaffected. Commission is typically factored into the listing price, meaning buyers often contribute indirectly through the price they pay. This is changing as a result of the 2024 NAR settlement, which took effect in August 2024. Buyers in New York must now sign a written compensation agreement with their agent before touring homes. That means buyer-agent fees must be disclosed and agreed to in writing upfront, rather than assumed to be covered by the seller.<\/p>\n

For a closer look at closing costs in New York<\/a> beyond agent fees, that guide covers transfer taxes, title fees, and attorney costs. For seller obligations beyond commission, the guide to taxes on selling a house in New York<\/a> covers transfer taxes and other closing line items.<\/p>\n

Average Realtor Fees in New York in 2026<\/h2>\n

Real estate commission rates in New York are not uniform. They vary by market, property price, and negotiation. The tables below show typical ranges by region and what those rates mean in actual dollars.<\/p>\n

New York commission rates by region (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Region<\/th>\nTypical total commission<\/th>\nNotes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Manhattan<\/td>\n5.0% to 6.0%<\/td>\nCo-op complexity and premium marketing support higher rates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brooklyn<\/td>\n3.0% to 4.0%<\/td>\nMore competitive, tech-savvy market; rates compressed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Long Island<\/td>\n5.0% to 5.5%<\/td>\nCompetitive market; some room to negotiate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Westchester County<\/td>\n5.0% to 5.5%<\/td>\nStrong demand; agents may hold closer to 5.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upstate (Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, Rochester)<\/td>\n5.0% to 6.0%<\/td>\nLower median prices; full rates more common<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hudson Valley \/ Capital Region<\/td>\n5.0% to 5.5%<\/td>\nGrowing market; rates similar to Long Island<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Regional ranges are estimates based on typical market practice in 2026. Verify rates with local agents before signing any listing agreement.<\/p>\n

Dollar cost of commission at common New York sale prices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Sale price<\/th>\n5.0% commission<\/th>\n5.5% commission<\/th>\n6.0% commission<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
$300,000<\/td>\n$15,000<\/td>\n$16,500<\/td>\n$18,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
$500,000<\/td>\n$25,000<\/td>\n$27,500<\/td>\n$30,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
$650,000<\/td>\n$32,500<\/td>\n$35,750<\/td>\n$39,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
$900,000<\/td>\n$45,000<\/td>\n$49,500<\/td>\n$54,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
$1,500,000<\/td>\n$75,000<\/td>\n$82,500<\/td>\n$90,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Based on standard commission rate tiers. Verify current rates before transacting.<\/p>\n

To calculate your specific net proceeds after commission and other selling costs, the seller net proceeds calculator in New York<\/a> walks through the full numbers.<\/p>\n

What Do New York Sellers Get for the Commission?<\/h2>\n

Listing agent services (seller’s side)<\/h3>\n

A listing agent earns their share of commission by managing the seller’s side of the transaction from pricing through closing. Core services typically include:<\/p>\n