Redfin’s analysis reflects national buyer’s agent commission rates based on closed home sales from Redfin agents and partner agents.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) saw a modest increase about a year after the commission’s rules were enacted, stemming from NAR’s settlement of commission litigation.

Buyer’s agent commissions fell to 2.36 per cent in the third quarter of 2024 – the lowest point recorded under the new system – but have risen sharply since then.

Redfin attributes the growth to a sluggish housing market that has allowed buyers to take advantage.

In Chicago, Redfin Premier Agent Beth Behling said she’s seen little change since the new rules went into effect.

“If demand was high and houses sold quickly, I think we would see more sellers offering buyers’ agents lower commissions,” Behling said. “But now the market is very slow, and buyers have negotiating power over sellers. If anything, buyers may ask for higher commissions for their agents knowing that may be the only offer on the table.”

Commission trends across price tiers were broadly stable in the third quarter.

For homes priced under $500,000, the average buyer’s agent commission was 2.52% — up from 2.45% a year ago and the highest level since the third quarter of 2023.

Those priced between $500,000 and $999,999 saw an average commission of 2.32%, down slightly from 2.34% last quarter and 2.31% a year ago.

Homes sold for $1 million or more had an average commission of 2.22% — up from 2.21% in the second quarter but down from the 2.24% recorded a year ago.