BiggerPockets Daily Buyer's Agents Commissions Are Climbing Due to Today's Buyer's Market
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Oct 6, 2025 Buyer’s agent commissions are on the rise again, averaging 2.43% in Q2. Despite initial fears from the NAR settlement, commissions didn't collapse as anticipated. A surplus of sellers has given buyers the upper hand, leading to higher commissions. Interestingly, commissions have increased across various price tiers, and most buyers still seek 3%. While high-end listings typically hover around 2%, flexibility in commission structures is now possible thanks to the settlement, though immediate changes are minimal. The future may see tech and AI reshaping the real estate landscape.
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Commissions Rebounded To 2.43%
- The national average buyer's agent commission rose to 2.43% in Q2, reversing a post-settlement dip.
- Market dynamics, not the NAR settlement, primarily explain the rebound in commissions.
Post-Settlement Dip Then Gradual Climb
- After the NAR settlement commissions dipped to 2.36% in Q3 2024 but gradually climbed back.
- The climb corresponds with increased buyer scarcity, shifting leverage to sellers.
Seller-Biased Market Spurs Higher Fees
- Market imbalance matters: Redfin reported 500,000 more sellers than buyers in June, the largest gap since 2013.
- That buyer scarcity incentivizes sellers to offer higher buyer-agent commissions to attract offers.