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 Vermont is , which is the national average of 5.49%.
The average total real estate agent commission rate in Vermont is of the final sale price. Based on the latest median home sale price in Vermont ($385,968), that translates to a total cost of roughly .
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 Vermont, the average listing agent fee is , while the average buyer’s agent fee is .
Real estate agent commissions make up a significant portion of the closing costs for Vermont home sellers. But you don't have to pay the full to a traditional agent. If you're selling a home in Vermont, 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 on realtor fees, or about 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 Vermont
| Average listing commission | |
| Average buyer's agent commission | |
| Total average commission |
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 Vermont for listing agents is of the final home price and for buyer's agents, for a total of .
» LEARN: How do real estate broker commissions work?
Real estate commission calculator for Vermont
Use this commission calculator to estimate how much you'll pay in realtor fees when you sell your home in Vermont. 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 Vermont?
In Vermont, when you sell your home, the commission fees for the buyer's and seller's real estate agents come directly from the final sale price. There's no need to worry about paying these fees upfront.
The seller's agent justifies their commission through services such as conducting market analysis and managing the closing process. On the other side, the buyer's agent earns their commission by finding a qualified buyer who agrees to the contract terms and completes the purchase on schedule.
Rest assured, these commissions won't be an out-of-pocket expense for you. Much like closing costs, the real estate agent commissions are subtracted from the proceeds of the sale once the transaction finalizes.
Looking to cut down on realtor commission fees? Clever can help by pairing you with a leading local listing agent who offers a competitive rate of just 1.5%. This strategy puts more of the sale's proceeds right where they belong – 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 boost interest in your property. By handling this expense, you make your home a more attractive option for buyers, who might otherwise be stretched thin by their agent's commission on top of the down payment and closing costs. For many buyers, covering these additional costs upfront is simply not feasible.
By offering a competitive buyer's agent commission, you incentivize real estate agents to bring their clients to your doorstep, potentially leading to a flurry of offers. Industry insiders suggest setting the buyer's agent commission just within 0.5% of the local norm, which stands at in Vermont.
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 Vermont
Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while is the average in Vermont, rates typically fall between and . 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 | – |
| Buyer's agent commission | – |
| Total commission range | – |
Can I negotiate realtor commission in Vermont?
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 Vermont 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 Vermont housing market |
|
Your specific situation will undoubtedly influence the outcome, but the real estate dynamics in Vermont impact all home sellers in the area.
In a seller's market, where sellers have the advantage over buyers, listing agents often find their jobs somewhat easier and may be more open to reducing their commissions. On the flip side, in a buyer's market, agents typically maintain 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 Vermont being a seller's market, you might wield the power to negotiate a lower commission with your agent. But if the market shows mixed signals or favors buyers, it could prove tougher to persuade your agent to accept a reduced fee.
The current state of the Vermont real estate market
| Factor | Trends | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Months of inventory | There's 2.25 months of housing inventory on the market | Seller's market |
| Sale-to-list ratio | Homes are selling for 97.40% of their listing price | Buyer's market |
| Home values | Home values have risen 15.54% year over year | Seller's market |
Low commission real estate companies in Vermont
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 property sellers in Vermont seeking to economize on real estate commissions while maintaining access to professional advice, we consistently advocate for Clever as 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 provides an avenue to a cadre of esteemed 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 the most extensive array of vetted agents in Vermont, 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: Flat Fee Real Estate offers a transparent fixed-fee pricing model ideal for budget-conscious sellers who are comfortable with a less conventional approach.
✅ Benefits and features: Vermont-based sellers benefit from a clear, flat fee of $3,500, which can provide significant savings on realtor commission fees for more expensive homes.
🚩 Potential red flags: The agency suggests home sellers offer a flat buyer's agent fee of $3,500, which is non-standard and may dissuade some buyer's agents from showing your home. Also, statewide data indicates mixed reviews, suggesting the necessity for due diligence when considering this agency.
Pros
- Straightforward, flat fee pricing can be very cost-effective for higher-priced home sales
- Full-service offering provides a comprehensive selling experience
- Strong transaction record within the state, indicating experience and potential reliability
Cons
- Recommended flat fee for buyer's agents could potentially reduce interest from buyers
- Statewide reviews suggest some past customers had less than positive experiences
- Incentive structure may not align well with traditional buyer's agents, which could impact selling strategy
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee 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 data available at this time
Website: flatfeevt.com
Phone: 802-318-0833
Address: 1 Steele Street; Suite 111, Burlington, VT 05401
Areas served: Vermont
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: Landfall Properties stands out as a savvy choice for Vermont sellers who are comfortable taking the reins on their home sale, offering significant savings on brokerage fees. However, sellers should be mindful of potential extra costs and the scope of services provided in relation to the savings they're after.
✅ Benefits and features: Landfall Properties presents a compelling $0 listing fee for self-sufficient sellers, alongside a 1% full-service offering that includes the guidance of an experienced real estate expert.
🚩 Potential red flags: The pricing strategy at Landfall can be perplexing, with the company's income derived from sharing the buyer's agent commission, which might affect the cooperation with buyer's agents. Unanticipated expenses for consultations, signage, and necessary documentation could detract from the appeal of the discounted rates. Moreover, the lack of a brick-and-mortar location may limit direct interactions with the team.
Pros
- A variety of flat fee MLS-listing options for seasoned sellers
- Competitive 1% listing fee for a comprehensive service package
Cons
- Pricing model could hinder buyer's agent collaboration
- Potential additional costs could reduce overall savings
- Fee structure may be difficult for some customers to understand
- Lack of professional photography services
Fee structure
Tier 1
- $0 upfront cost
- 2.5% buying agent commission
Tier 2
- $699 upfront cost
- 2% buying agent commission
Tier 3
- 1% at closing
- 2% buying agent commission
*Not enough data available at this time
Website: flatfeemls4free.com
Phone: 844-373-3657
Address: One, Tara Blvd #200, Nashua, NH 03062
Areas served: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont
» 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 Vermont'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
