The Average Buyer’s Agent Commission has Risen Slightly Since New NAR Rules Went Into Effect

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The average U.S. buyer’s agent commission was 2.42% for homes sold in the third quarter, up from 2.36% a year earlier, according to a new report from Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket.

Commissions were virtually flat from the second quarter (2.43%), leveling out after minor upticks in three consecutive quarters.

This is according to an analysis of Redfin’s data on buyer’s agent commissions for closed home sales. The analysis reflects national commission rates, using national, aggregated sales data from Redfin agents' listings and deals referred by Redfin.com to partner agents.

Commissions are higher now than when NAR rules went into effect

Commissions are now at roughly the same level they were in the first quarter of 2024, when the National Association of Realtors (NAR) first announced a settlement dictating new commission rules in response to a class action lawsuit brought by home sellers.

The third quarter marked the anniversary of new commission rules that went into effect in August 2024. The average buyer’s agent commission fell to a low of 2.36% that quarter (Q3 2024), but has nudged slightly higher since, as a slowdown in home sales gave buyers more negotiating power.

Beth Behling, a Redfin Premier real estate agent in Chicago, said commissions in her area were largely unchanged following the introduction of the new rules.

“If demand were high and homes were selling fast, I think we would see more sellers offering a lower commission to buyer’s agents,” Behling said. “But now the market is much slower, and buyers have negotiating power over sellers. If anything, buyers can ask for a higher commission for their agents knowing they may be the only offer on the table.”

Commissions for homes under $500,000 remain at highest level since 2023

Commissions were largely flat across all price tiers in the third quarter.

• For homes that sold for less than $500,000, the average buyer’s agent commission remained unchanged at 2.52% from the prior quarter—up from 2.45% a year earlier and still the highest level since the third quarter of 2023.
• For homes that sold for $500,000 to $999,999, the average buyer’s agent commission was 2.32%—down from 2.34% in the prior quarter and a tick above 2.31% a year earlier.
• For homes that sold for $1 million or more in the first quarter, the average buyer’s agent commission was 2.22%—a tick higher than the previous quarter (2.21%), but down two basis points from 2.24% a year earlier.

To view the full report, including charts and a detailed methodology, please visit:
https://www.redfin.com/news/commissions-q3-2025

About Redfin

Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company with the country's most-visited real estate brokerage website. As part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), Redfin is creating an integrated homeownership platform from search to close to make the dream of homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone. Redfin’s clients can see homes first with on-demand tours, easily apply for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage, and save thousands in fees while working with a top local agent.

You can find more information about Redfin and get the latest housing market data and research at Redfin.com/news. For more information about Rocket Companies, visit RocketCompanies.com.