How commission works | Commission calculator | Best ways to save | Methodology
📊 The data:
We surveyed local agents and found that the average real estate commission in Hawaii is 4.78%, which is less than the national average of 5.49%.
The average total real estate agent commission rate in Hawaii is 4.78% of the final sale price. Based on the latest median home sale price in Hawaii ($840,748), that translates to a total cost of roughly $40,188.
Home sellers typically cover the total commission fee from their sale proceeds, which is split between the listing and buyer’s agents who handle the sale. In Hawaii, the average listing agent fee is 2.45%, while the average buyer’s agent fee is 2.33%.
Real estate agent commissions make up a significant portion of the closing costs for Hawaii home sellers. But you don't have to pay the full 4.78% to a traditional agent. If you're selling a home in Hawaii, you can use a discount broker to save on realtor fees. In fact, depending on your situation and the agents you work with, you could save 30% on realtor fees, or about $12,191 on average.
⚡ Find top agents and save: Answer these five simple questions to get matched with the best local agents offering reduced commission rates. Compare agents from top brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, and get a discounted rate through Clever’s partner network.
How real estate commission works in Hawaii
| Average listing commission | 2.45% |
| Average buyer's agent commission | 2.33% |
| Total average commission | 4.78% |
There are usually two real estate agents involved in the real estate transactions of a home sale:
- The seller's agent (also called the listing agent), who represents the home seller
- The buyer's agent, who represents the person buying the home
Based on our research, the average real estate commission paid in Hawaii for listing agents is 2.45% of the final home price and 2.33% for buyer's agents, for a total of 4.78%.
» LEARN: How do real estate broker commissions work?
Real estate commission calculator for Hawaii
Use this commission calculator to estimate how much you'll pay in realtor fees when you sell your home in Hawaii. Enter an estimate of your home's sale price, and see how much you'll pay at different commission rates.
Who pays realtor fees in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, realtor commissions for both the buyer's and seller's agents are deducted from your home's final sale price, so there's no need to stress about paying these fees upfront.
Your seller's agent earns their commission by providing services like market analysis and overseeing the closing process. On the other side, the buyer's agent secures their fee by bringing in a qualified buyer who agrees to the terms and successfully closes the deal.
You can breathe easy knowing these commissions aren't an additional cost to you. Just like closing costs, the agent commissions come out of the sale's proceeds once everything wraps up.
Want to save on realtor commission fees? Clever connects you with top local listing agents who offer a low commission rate of just 1.5%. This way, you can keep a larger portion of your home's selling price in your pocket.
» SAVE: Sell with Clever for 1.5% listing fees and save thousands in commission!
Why do sellers pay the buyer's real estate agent commission?
Covering the buyer's agent commission can significantly increase your property's appeal. By taking on this cost, you make your home more attractive to buyers who may find the added expense of their agent's commission daunting, especially when considering the down payment and closing costs. For many sellers, absorbing this cost isn't an option.
Set a competitive buyer's agent commission, and watch as real estate agents become more enthusiastic about showing your home to potential buyers. This approach often results in a wave of offers. Try to offer the buyer's agent commission at about 0.5% above the local average, which is 2.33% in Hawaii. This strategy communicates to agents that your home is a prime option in the market and may help accelerate the sale.
Will the NAR lawsuit change how real estate commission works?
A November 2023 lawsuit found the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Homeservices of America, and Keller Williams Realty guilty of misleading sellers into paying high realtor fees.
The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that sellers should not be on the hook for the buyer's agent commission. It's too early to tell if this decision will change how buyer's agents are paid. We're monitoring the appeal in this case as well as other lawsuits and will keep you updated.
» READ MORE:
How to save on realtor fees in Hawaii
Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while 2.45% is the average in Hawaii, rates typically fall between 2.00% and 6.50%. You can save money by negotiating a lower rate with your listing agent or by working with a discount real estate brokerage.
| Listing commission range | 1.00%– 3.50% |
| Buyer's agent commission | 1.00%– 3.00% |
| Total commission range | 2.00%– 6.50% |
Can I negotiate realtor commission in Hawaii?
Real estate commission is always negotiable. Nationwide, the 627 agents we surveyed said these were their most common reasons for agreeing to lower their commission.
| Would you lower your commission for…? | Agents who answered yes |
|---|---|
| Homeowners who also plan to buy with you | 72% |
| Homeowners who are repeat clients | 70% |
| Homeowners with more than one property to sell | 67% |
| Seller’s situation (e.g. divorce or death in the family) | 48% |
| Higher property values | 47% |
| High competition for clients | 37% |
| Homes expected to sell quickly | 37% |
| Periods of low housing inventory | 23% |
| High buyer demand in the area | 22% |
| Houses in excellent condition | 19% |
| Highly experienced home sellers | 13% |
Negotiating realtor fees in Hawaii depends on two main factors: your situation and the housing market.
| Factor | You may have an easier time negotiating low rates if... |
|---|---|
| Your situation |
|
| The Hawaii housing market |
|
Your specific situation will definitely have an impact, but the real estate trends in Hawaii influence every home seller in the area.
In a seller's market, where sellers have the upper hand, listing agents often have an easier time selling homes and might be more open to reducing their commissions. On the flip side, in a buyer's market, agents tend to stick to their standard rates.
Not comfortable negotiating with a realtor? Avoid the awkward conversation and let Clever pre-negotiate a lower rate with a top agent for you.
To assess the current state of your local real estate market, look at these three factors:
- Months of inventory
- Sale to list price ratio
- Home value trends
If these signs point to Hawaii being a seller's market right now, you could have the upper hand to negotiate a lower commission with your agent. But if the market is showing mixed signs or favoring buyers, it may be tougher to persuade your agent to accept a reduced fee.
The current state of the Hawaii real estate market
| Factor | Trends | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Months of inventory | There's 3.45 months of housing inventory on the market | Seller's market |
| Sale-to-list ratio | Homes are selling for 97.70% of their listing price | Buyer's market |
| Home values | Home values have risen 11.92% year over year | Buyer's market |
Low commission real estate companies in Hawaii
Negotiating a lower rate with a professional negotiator can be hard! In many cases, home sellers can save just as much (or more!) by selling with a low commission real estate company.
Discount real estate brokers typically offer full-service support for a reduced commission percentage or flat rate. How they create those discounts will depend on the company's model, with some creating more risks and trade-offs than others.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: For home sellers in Hawaii looking to save on real estate commissions while maintaining access to professional advice, Clever is a superior option.
✅ Benefits and features: Clever sets itself apart by offering significant reductions in traditional realtor charges, up to 50%. Its acclaimed agent matching service is highly esteemed and comes at no cost, with no strings attached.
🏠 How it works: Clever matches you with local agents from well-known agencies, including powerhouses like RE/MAX and Compass. This empowers sellers to peruse and pick their preferred agent while guaranteeing a competitive 1.5% listing fee (comparable to Redfin), irrespective of the agent chosen.
Pros
- Engage with a full-service agent from a reputable brokerage without the hefty price tag.
- Agents commit to a rate cut of up to 50% exclusively when partnering through Clever.
- Access a huge selection of agents in Hawaii, enhancing your likelihood of finding the perfect match.
Cons
- There's no promise that you'll be matched with a specific agent or firm of your choosing within Clever’s network.
- Additional services such as professional staging, drone photography, and 3D home tours may incur extra charges, which agents will detail in their listing presentation.
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
| Weighted avg. | 5.0 | 2,627 |
| Trustpilot | 5.0 | 2,402 |
| 4.8 | 225 |
Website: semya-moya.ru
Phone: 1-833-225-3837
Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, 7 days a week
Address: 6358 Delmar Blvd, Suite 300, Saint Louis, MO 63130
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: Homeowners in Hawaii contemplating a cost-effective sales process with a reputable discount brokerage will find Redfin to be a compelling choice. Be mindful that their minimum commission fees are marginally steeper compared to other local alternatives.
✅ Benefits and features: Redfin's 1.5% listing fee presents a notable cost-saving opportunity, which can be especially advantageous for those aiming to buy and sell within a single year due to an extra 0.5% discount. Selecting Redfin means aligning with a recognized and esteemed brand, offering access to an extensive selection of experienced, discount real estate professionals.
🚩 Potential red flags: Adopting a tech-savvy, team-based service model, your primary contact at Redfin will be a Lead Agent, with additional support provided by a specialized team. This more detached configuration may not resonate with clients seeking highly individualized engagement with their agent. Also, Redfin has a minimum commission fee of $6,500 in Hawaii. If your home’s value is less than $434,000, you may end up paying more than the advertised 1.5% rate.
Pros
- Significant savings on listing fees
- Established brand with a strong lineup of agents
- Remote, team-based approach can benefit certain sellers
Cons
- Not ideal for individuals seeking a personalized agent experience
- Limited agent selection compared to Clever
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($6,500 min. in Hawaii) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
- 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months
*Not enough available data at this time
Website: redfin.com
Phone: 1-844-759-7732
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. MST, 7 days a week
Address: 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste 3A. Honolulu, HI 96813
Areas served: Aiea, Aiea Heights, Honolulu, EWA Beach, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kapolei, Lanikai Beach, Mililani Mauka, Mililani Town, Oahu Island, Waianae, Waikiki, Waipahu, and more
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Overview: Oahu RE offers a full-service real estate selling experience for a flat fee of $3,500 at closing. No alternative pricing plans are available.
✅ Benefits and features: Oahu RE offers an intriguing option for those selling more expensive homes in Hawaii, where the flat fee could translate into substantial savings compared to traditional percentage-based commissions.
🚩 Potential red flags: Potential clients should consider if the fixed fee aligns with their estimated home value and the level of service they expect. Due to the absence of reviews, it is highly recommended that sellers conduct an in-depth interview with 1% Guys before committing, and consider comparing against other available alternatives with more established reputations and demonstrated success in the local market.
Pros
- Guaranteed full-service offering for sellers at a flat rate which can be advantageous for higher-priced homes.
- Plan includes traditional services expected from a full-service real estate agent, including listing, marketing, and closing assistance.
- Fixed fee structure means no surprises when it comes to commission costs at closing.
Cons
- The flat fee model may be less cost-effective for sellers with lower-priced homes.
- No alternative plans available for sellers looking for different levels or types of service.
Fee structure
- $3,500 at closing
*Not enough data available at this time
» LEARN: How do discount real estate brokers offer lower fees?
Next steps
Thinking of selling your home but don't know where to start? Here are some next steps.
Start interviewing local agents
Set up some listing appointments, where an agent visits your home to discuss its estimated value, lay out their marketing strategy, and provide a quote for their fee.
Here's why it's smart to sit down with a few agents before signing with one:
It's completely free to meet with agents: There's no obligation or risk on your end. Just keep in mind that the agent is meeting with you to win your business, and will try to sell you on their service.
You can compare pricing and features: Shopping around helps you find the best fit for your specific needs – in terms of fees, experience, and services provided.
Learn more about your market from an expert: Realtors can provide local data, like how much nearby homes are selling for, how fast they sell, and other current market trends.
Learn about the home sales process: An agent can walk you through the sales process from start to finish, and provide tailored advice for marketing your property to home buyers.
To get started, check out our guide on the best ways to find real estate agents — or you can sign up for Clever’s free agent matching service below to connect with top realtors in your area right now (and save on commission).
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates of only 1.5%, with Hawaii's top agents. Contact Clever today to find out how much you can save on commission!
Clever can connect you with top local agents sell your house for a pre-negotiated low rate: just a 1.5% listing fee when your home sells (half the typical rate!).
You can interview your Clever agent matches, get free pricing estimates, and compare marketing plans — all with no strings attached.
Ready to learn more? Click below to take our simple quiz and see your agent matches!
Methodology
We gathered our commission rate data from a survey of 623 of our partner agents. The survey asked about standard local rates for both listing and buying agents. We also asked agents about when and why they're willing to negotiate real estate commissions.
Additionally, we utilized the following data from Zillow and Realtor.com:
- Home values, list prices, and sale prices: Based on Zillow data as of August 2023
- Sale prices and sale-to-list ratios: Based on Redfin data as of February 2023 (unless specified otherwise)
- Months of inventory: Based on Realtor.com data as of February 2023
