Average Real Estate Commission in Washington

How commission works | Commission calculator | Best ways to save | Methodology

The average total real estate agent commission rate in Washington is 5.25% of the final sale price. Based on the latest median home sale price in Washington ($566,052), that translates to a total cost of roughly $29,718.

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 Washington, the average listing agent fee is 2.75%, while the average buyer’s agent fee is 2.51%.

Real estate agent commissions make up a significant portion of the closing costs for Washington home sellers. But you don't have to pay the full 5.25% to a traditional agent. If you're selling a home in Washington, 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 33% on realtor fees, or about $9,849 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 Washington

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 Washington for listing agents is 2.75% of the final home price and 2.51% for buyer's agents, for a total of 5.25%.

» LEARN: How do real estate broker commissions work?

Real estate commission calculator for Washington

Use this commission calculator to estimate how much you'll pay in realtor fees when you sell your home in Washington. 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 Washington?

When selling a home in Washington, the sales commissions for both the seller's and buyer's agents are deducted from the final sale price. These fees do not need to be prepaid.

The seller's agent earns their commission by providing services such as market analysis and handling the closing process. The buyer's agent makes their commission by bringing a qualified buyer who meets the purchase terms and closes on time.

The seller does not pay these commissions out of pocket. Similar to closing costs, the agents' fees are subtracted from the sale proceeds once the sale is completed.

If you want to reduce your realtor fees, Clever can connect you with a top local listing agent charging just 1.5% commission. This will allow you to keep more of the sale proceeds for yourself.

» 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?

Offering to cover the buyer's agent commission may attract more potential buyers to your listing.  

Paying this fee makes your home more enticing to buyers, since they won't have to pay their agent's commission upfront in addition to the down payment and closing costs - something many buyers can't afford.

When you make a competitive offer on the buyer's agent commission, real estate agents become more incentivized to showcase your property to their clients. This can increase your chances of getting multiple offers. Experts recommend advertising a buyer's agent commission within 0.5% of the local average, which is 2.51% in Washington.

How to save on realtor fees in Washington

Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while 2.75% is the average in Washington, rates typically fall between 4.00% and 7.00%. You can save money by negotiating a lower rate with your listing agent or by working with a discount real estate brokerage.

Can I negotiate realtor commission in Washington?

Real estate commission is always negotiable. In Washington,  the 17 agents we surveyed said these were their most common reasons for agreeing to lower their commission.

Negotiating realtor fees in Washington depends on two main factors: your situation and the housing market.

While your personal situation may differ, real estate conditions in Washington will impact all home sellers in the area.

Generally in a seller's market, where sellers have more leverage than buyers, listing agents' jobs are easier so they may be more willing to reduce commissions. The opposite is often true in a buyer's market.

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 gauge 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 all signs point to Washington being a seller’s market, you may be in a good position to negotiate a lower commission with your agent. If conditions are mixed or favor buyers, it may be harder to get your agent to accept a cheaper rate.

The current state of the Washington real estate market

Low commission real estate companies in Washington 

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.

Best for most sellers

Semya-Moya

Learn more

4.9

Excellent

Listing Fee

1.5% ($3,000 min.)

Customer Rating

5.0 (2,627)

Availability

Nationwide

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview:  If you're a seller in Washington considering selling and keen on conserving funds on realtor commissions without sacrificing quality service, we strongly endorse Clever.

✅ Benefits and features: Clever presents impressive savings opportunities of up to 50% compared to standard realty fees. Its complimentary and obligation-free agent-matching service is also acclaimed for its excellence.

🏠 How it works: Clever facilitates connections between you and foremost realtors in your locale from reputable firms like RE/MAX and Compass. Assess and select your preferred professional, enjoying the advantage of a distinctive 1.5% listing fee (mirroring Redfin's fee structure) no matter which agent you choose.

Pros

• Match with trusted agents from reputable brokerages (not discount agents)
• Realtors are willing to work for a 1.5% listing fee when you use Clever
• Choose from hundreds of top Washington realtors

Cons

• No guarantee that you'll be able to work with a specific agent or brokerage of your choice
• Additional services like professional staging, drone photos, and 3D tours may require an additional fee (agents will explain the breakdown of what's included during 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
Google	4.8	225

Website: semya-moya.ru
Phone: 1-833-225-3837
Hours: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. PST, 7 days a week
Address: 6358 Delmar Blvd, Suite 300, Saint Louis, MO 63130

Redfin Washington

Read More

4.7

Very good

Listing Fee

1.5% ($4,500–6,500 min.)

Customer Rating

N/A*

Availability

Multi-state

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview: Redfin emerges as a vigorous option for Washington homeowners eyeing cost efficiency in the realm of real estate. Nevertheless, be aware that the brokerage imposes higher baseline commission rates in Washington, contrasting with other local options.

✅ Benefits and features: Captivating sellers with an inviting 1.5% listing fee, Redfin stands out in the marketplace. The incentive further amplifies if you navigate both selling and purchasing through their platform within a year, unlocking a 0.5% listing fee deduction. Redfin’s stature in the sector is strong, offering a wide array of discounted real estate professionals.

🚩 Potential red flags: The digitally-centric and collaborative model that Redfin employs may not align with every seller's preferences, as the process predominantly transpires online, with a principal agent aided by a specialized support team. It's also worth noting that Redfin has a minimum commission fee range of $4,500–6,500 in Washington. If your home's value is less than $300,000, you’ll pay more than the advertised 1.5% rate.

Pros

• Significant savings on listing fees
• A trusted brand with a large selection of Washington agents
• Technology-driven approach may appeal to certain sellers

Cons

• May not be the best fit for those seeking a more personalized, one-on-one agent experience
• The $4,500–6,500 minimum fee in Washington is higher compared to other options
• Fewer Washington agents to choose from than Clever

Fee structure

• 1.5% listing fee ($4,500–6,500 min. in Washington) 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. PST, 7 days a week
Address: 1099 Stewart St, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98101
Areas served: Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and more

Prevu Real Estate

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4.2

Good

Listing Fee

1.5%*

Customer Rating

5.0 (488)

Availability

Multi-state

Overview

Pricing

Reviews

Contact

Overview:  For those in Washington State who prioritize affordability and straightforward interactions, Prevu Real Estate deserves consideration. Nonetheless, its grasp of regional real estate nuances may not match the level of experience found at some competing discount agencies. 

✅ Benefits and features: Prevu stands out by offering a competitive 1.5% listing fee for comprehensive sale services. The platform is designed to be intuitive, facilitating hassle-free dialogue with a discount real estate agent, and feedback from clients has been largely favorable.

🚩 Potential red flags: Our research indicates a scarcity in data regarding Prevu's track record in Washington, hinting at a possibly lower degree of market engagement there. Additionally, the minimum commission fee that Prevu requires in Washington State remains somewhat ambiguous. Sellers are advised to diligently investigate prior to committing to a listing contract.

Pros

• Low 1.5% listing fee
• Established presence across multiple states
• Convenient, online platform that facilitates communication with your discount agent

Cons

• Limited public reviews and transaction data specific to the Washington market
• Minimum commission fee for Washington properties is unclear

Fee structure:

• 1.5% listing fee at closing
• 1.5–2.5% buyer's agent commission at closing

* There is a minimum commission fee, but the website doesn’t disclose the amount.

Weighted avg.	5.0	488
Google	5.0	478
Yelp	4.6	10

Website: prevu.com
Phone: (646) 603-6868
Address: 110 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010
Areas served: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC

» 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 Washington's top agents. Contact Clever today to find out how much you can save on commission!

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

Additional resources for Washington home sellers

How to Sell a House By Owner in Washington State (2023 Update)

Selling your house without a realtor can save you 2.27% to 6.09% in Washington. Find out more about the FSBO process, its pros and cons, and tips for success.

Average Time to Sell a House in Washington

We’ve compiled the latest data on how long it takes to sell a house in Washington — along with top tips on how to sell your house faster AND for top dollar.

Disclosure Requirements for Selling Washington Real Estate

Are you looking to sell your Washington property and wondering what your disclosure requirements are? Read our guide to find out what you need to know.

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Washington State?

On average, it costs $65,431 to sell a house in Washington. Use our cost-of-selling-a-house calculator to see how much you might pay when you sell your home.

Washington State Real Estate Transfer Taxes: An In-Depth Guide

Washington real estate transfer taxes are not easy to understand. But they can cost thousands. Here’s what you need to know about the real estate excise tax.