What the NAR settlement changed
The National Association of Realtors' settlement practice changes took effect on August 17, 2024:
- Offers of buyer-agent compensation can no longer appear on the MLS.
- Buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and the fee must be stated in it.
- Agreements must say that compensation is negotiable.
Many people expected commissions to fall. So far, they have not moved much. Redfin found the average buyer's agent commission was 2.42% in the third quarter of 2025, up from 2.36% a year earlier.
Buyer's agent commission by home price
| Sale price | Average buyer's agent commission (Q3 2025) |
|---|---|
| Under $500,000 | 2.52% |
| $500,000–$999,999 | 2.32% |
| $1 million or more | 2.22% |
Source: Redfin
Commission is not the only cost of selling
When you budget, also include:
- Seller closing costs such as title, escrow, recording fees, and in some states transfer taxes
- Repairs and concessions a buyer requests after their inspection
- Preparation like cleaning, staging, photography, and small fixes
- Carrying costs while the home is on the market — the national median was 61 days in September 2026, according to Realtor.com
Five ways to pay less
- Negotiate the listing fee. Ask what is included and whether the rate changes if the agent also represents the buyer.
- Decide on buyer-agent compensation deliberately. You are not required to offer it, but declining can narrow your buyer pool. Talk it through with your agent.
- Compare service models. Flat-fee and discount brokerages charge less, usually in exchange for fewer services.
- Sell directly. A direct sale to a buyer has no agent commission, but the price usually reflects that trade-off.
- Compare the net, not the rate. A lower commission is only better if your final proceeds are higher.
How Speti fits
A Cash Fast sale is a direct purchase with no agent commission. Depending on the property and agreement, sellers could save up to 10% on traditional real-estate fees and commission. With Flex, no agent commission or seller-paid closing fee is deducted from the agreed price. If you can allow showings and have more time, Cash Plus prepares and markets the home first to pursue a higher price. Use the seller calculator to compare options.
Frequently asked questions
Is real estate commission negotiable?
Yes. No law or association sets commission rates. They are agreed between you and your agent.
Do sellers still pay the buyer's agent?
They are not required to. Many still offer to, and buyers can also ask for it as part of their offer.
When is commission paid?
At closing, out of the sale proceeds. You do not pay it up front.
Sources
- Clever Real Estate, Average Real Estate Commission Rates: 2026 Survey — https://listwithclever.com/average-real-estate-commission/
- Redfin buyer's agent commission report, December 8, 2025 — https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208965556/en/The-Average-Buyers-Agent-Commission-has-Risen-Slightly-Since-New-NAR-Rules-Went-Into-Effect
- National Association of Realtors, settlement facts — https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts
- Realtor.com September 2026 Housing Report — https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/price-cuts-reach-yearly-high-as-inventory-nears-pre-pandemic-levels-realtorcom-september-housing-report-302893453.html