Negotiating Real Estate Commission: How to Save Thousands When You Sell

When you’re selling your home, every dollar counts. Yet one of the biggest — and most overlooked — opportunities to save money lies in your real estate agent’s commission.

What Is a Real Estate Commission?

Real estate commission is the fee paid to your listing and buyer’s agents for managing your home sale. The national average is still around 5–6% of your home’s sale price — meaning that on a $700,000 home, you could pay $35,000–$42,000 in commission alone. That’s a huge chunk of your equity — and it’s not set in stone.

Why Negotiating Commission Matters

Many sellers don’t realize that commission is fully negotiable. You have the right to ask questions, compare offers, and find an agent whose rate and service fit your goals. Negotiating commission isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about finding fair value for the work being done. When you negotiate confidently, you can:

• Save thousands on closing costs
• Encourage competition among agents
• Reward transparency and trust — not just tradition
• Keep more of your home equity

How to Negotiate Real Estate Commission Confidently

1. Compare multiple agents before committing. Don’t settle for the first offer. Different agents bring different strengths — and different rates.
2. Ask what’s included in their commission. A strong agent will clearly explain their marketing plan, listing strategy, and how they’ll earn their fee.
3. Leverage competition. When agents know they’re being compared side-by-side, they’ll often put forward their most competitive offer.
4. Know your local market. In active markets, agents may be more flexible to win listings — use that to your advantage.

How Biddlee Makes Negotiation Simple

At Biddlee, we believe selling your home should be transparent, fair, and completely in your control. Our platform lets local, verified agents submit real offers for your listing — including their commission rate, experience, and client reviews.

• You compare bids.
• You choose the right fit.
• You move forward with confidence — and often save thousands in commission along the way.

No pressure. No guessing. Just a better deal for you.

Final Thoughts

Negotiating your real estate commission isn’t about being difficult — it’s about being smart. You’ve worked hard to build your home’s equity. Make sure you keep more of it when you sell.

Ready to start comparing real offers from top agents?

👉 Get started on Biddlee