Average real estate fees in Ohio are 5.60% of the home sale price. This includes an average of 2.92% for the selling agent plus 2.68% for the buyer's agent.
Here's what 5.60% works out to for three different price points:
- $9,520 in agent fees on a $170,000 home
- $19,040 in agent fees on a $340,000 home
- $31,920 in agent fees on a $570,000 home
That's a big bite out of your home sale proceeds! Fortunately, there are ways to spend less on realtor commission and increase your profit.
Our free referral service does the negotiating for you, finding you top local realtors who charge just 1.5% in listing commissions. You'll get the same full service for a faction of the cost.
Want to learn more about how to save thousands on realtor fees? Fill out this form to get matched with top-rated Ohio agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee!
How realtor commission works in Ohio
A typical home sale involves two real estate agents.
The listing agent (or seller's agent) represents the seller. The listing agent helps the seller market the home, set a reasonable price, and negotiate with buyers.
The buyer's agent represents the buyer, assisting first with the home search then later with making offers and negotiating with the seller.
Each party is responsible for paying their agent at closing. The home seller negotiates a contract and fee with the listing agent; separately, the buyer does the same with their agent. A 2024 settlement against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lays out updated rules about keeping the contracts separate.
In August 2024, a court ruled against the National Association of Realtors in a lawsuit. The settlement outlined several changes in the way real estate agents are paid:
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- Buyer's real estate agents must present an "agency agreement" that includes a description of the agent’s services to a potential home buyer.
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- Buyer's agents must negotiate their fee directly with the buyer ahead of signing the contract.
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- Listings cannot include buyer's agent commission.[1]
Before these rules took effect, real estate agents typically would split commissions: the listing agent would collect a 6% fee from the seller and give half of it to the buyer's agent. In most cases, the home buyer wouldn't pay any agent commissions.
Sellers used to advertise the buyer's agent cut on the home listing to draw buyer agents to show the home. Displaying the commission on the listing made it clear that the seller would pay for the buyer's agent.
It's still common practice for the seller to pay for the buyer's commission to help close the deal. However, sellers are no longer permitted to set a predetermined commission on the listing.
Who pays for real estate commission in Ohio?
Since the seller and the buyer each sign a contract with their own agents, each party is ultimately responsible for paying their own agent at closing.
Typically, though, sellers will agree to pay for the buyer's agent commission. This ensures that the buyer doesn't have to come up with thousands of dollars on top of the down payment.
As a seller, you can choose not to offer to pay for the buyer's agent. However, most realtors would advise against this tactic unless you have a lot of leverage in negotiating the terms of the sale, such as multiple offers to choose from.
What is Ohio real estate commission in 2025?
Here's an estimate of what buyer's agent, listing agent, and total commission costs on average in Ohio.
Remember, the exact commission you pay depends on several things, such as how difficult your home may be to sell, the home's worth, and other factors you discuss with your agent.
Commissions may vary in different regions of the state, as well.
| Average rate | Cost for a $170,000 home | Cost for a $340,000 home | Cost for a $570,000 home | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.92% | $4,964 | $9,928 | $16,644 |
| Buyer’s agent commission | 2.68% | $4,556 | $9,112 | $15,276 |
| Total realtor fees | 5.60% | $9,520 | $19,040 | $31,920 |
Save on real estate commission in Ohio
There are two main ways to save on real estate commission. You can negotiate a lower rate with your agent or you can work with a low commission brokerage that offers a more affordable fee from the start.
Negotiate real estate commission in Ohio
Real estate commission is always negotiable. According to real estate agents we've spoken with, you have the best chance of lowering your commission if:
- You can offer the realtor repeat business
- You have a personal relationship with the real estate agent
- The home you're selling has a high value
Even if these scenarios don't apply to you, you still have options to increase your chances of success when negotiating.
Here are some ways to prepare for negotiations before meeting with an agent:
- Make the home look its best. Deep clean your home and make inexpensive updates such as new paint and light landscaping before meeting with agents. The better the home looks, the easier it will be to sell.
- Interview multiple agents. The first agent you meet with might not be the right fit. Schedule appointments with three to five agents and ask them about their marketing plans for the home.
- Research your local housing market. Besides learning about the average commission, take note of recent home sales in your neighborhood, especially those similar to your home. Knowing these things signals to the agent that you're more prepared than the average client and will be easy to work with.
State of the housing market in Ohio
The current housing market in Ohio will also affect how willing your agent is to lower their commission.
If homes are selling quickly and above the asking price in your area, selling your home will be easier for the agent and they might be willing to reduce their fee. Selling in a slow market, on the other hand, will be more work for the agent, making them less likely to work for a smaller fee.
According to Zillow, the market heat index of top Ohio cities averages at 48, which indicates the market is a neutral market.[2]
- 💰 Median home value: $226,002 (projected to rise by 2.17% in the next year)[2]
- 💵 Median sale price: $248,800 (4.10% lower than the median listing price.)[3]
- 📉 National average mortgage rate: 6.65% (down 3.20% compared to last month)[4]
- 🏠 Current housing inventory: 14,732 units (down 8% compared to last month)[5]
- ⏰ Days on market (DOM): 57 days (down 11% compared to last month)[5]
Save with a low commission real estate agent
You can skip the entire negotiation process by choosing an agent with an already-low commission rate. These agents provide the same services and expert advice, but at a lower rate.
Our free service matches you with top agents from well-known brokerages in your area who list homes for just 1.5%. This pre-negotiated rate means you'll skip the haggling and save thousands in listing commission, giving you more of your home's sale proceeds.
| 💡 Expert view: Clever Real Estate is the top choice for savvy home sellers. With a low 1.5% listing fee, you get comprehensive services from experienced realtors at prestigious brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Discover your ideal agent match now and start saving! |
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for realtor commission in Ohio?
Real estate agents' commissions are technically the responsibility of their respective clients - buyers pay their agents, and sellers pay theirs. In practice though, sellers commonly cover the commission for both agents. This arrangement helps buyers, since they don't have to factor agent fees into their costs while also saving up for their down payment.
Is commission included in closing costs?
While commissions are paid when the transaction completes, they aren't categorized as closing costs. Instead, "closing costs" refers to the various fees and taxes that must be paid at settlement, such as property transfer charges, title insurance, and similar expenses.
What is dual agency?
Dual agency is an arrangement in which both the buyer and the seller are represented by the same agent for the same sale. This setup has the potential for conflict of interest. Dual agency is prohibited in eight states: Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming.
What is an "exclusive right to sell" agreement?
The standard contract between sellers and real estate agents is known as an exclusive right to sell agreement. Under these terms, the seller commits to working exclusively with one agent, who will earn their commission regardless of who ultimately finds the buyer—even if it's the seller themselves.
Methodology
We regularly survey our 19,000+ partner agents nationwide on their commission rates for buying and selling. These data points are averages based on responses we’ve received from 20 agents in Ohio.
We also contacted agents in Ohio to learn about average real estate agent commission and negotiation in the state.
