Why commissions matter
In California, the total real‑estate commission that sellers pay can be surprisingly high. HomeLight’s agent commission data shows that full‑service agents often charge around 7% in commissions statewide. Major cities like Los Angeles (4.58%), San Diego (4.82%) and San Francisco (5.46%) still hover near the 5%–6% range. Historically the seller paid both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, but a recent NAR settlement in 2024 decoupled these fees. Now buyers negotiate compensation for their own agent and sellers are typically responsible only for the listing side. Despite this change, many sellers still offer to pay the buyer’s agent to make their home more attractive in competitive markets.
What does a 2% commission really mean?
Some brokerages advertise a 2% listing commission, which looks like a great deal. However, this discount usually applies only to the listing side. Sellers still need to offer a competitive buyer’s commission—typically 2% to 3%—to attract buyers’ agents. The result is a total commission around 4.5%–5%, not the 2% you might expect.
Comparing commission scenarios
To see how commissions add up, consider an $800,000 home sale. The bar chart below compares four common scenarios: a 2% listing with a 2.5% buyer commission (4.5% total), a 4% total commission (2% listing + 2% buyer), and traditional 5% and 6% rates.
Under a traditional 6% commission, sellers would pay $48,000 in fees. A 5% commission lowers that to $40,000, while a 4% total commission (2% listing + 2% buyer) reduces it further to $32,000—saving $8,000 compared with 5% and $16,000 compared with 6%. Even a discounted 4.5% total commission (2% listing + 2.5% buyer) still costs $36,000.
Why 4% can be the sweet spot
Offering a combined 4% commission often strikes the right balance between savings and service. Sellers save thousands compared with paying 5% or 6%, yet the 2% buyer’s commission remains competitive enough to encourage buyer‑agent cooperation. By negotiating both sides of the commission up front, you can keep more of your home’s value without compromising on marketing or service.
Work with a discount real‑estate professional
Ashley Howie is a licensed real‑estate agent serving Monrovia and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. Her 4% total commission program includes full marketing, negotiation and transaction management, split 2% for the listing side and 2% for the buyer’s agent. Ashley operates out of Monrovia, CA 91016 and can be reached at (626) 824‑6988. Clients praise her professionalism, responsiveness and local market knowledge. To learn how much you can save on your home sale—and still receive top‑notch service—visit howiegetsitsold.com or call Ashley directly.
Ready to save thousands?
Contact Ashley Howie today to discuss a listing strategy tailored to your property. With a 4% total commission and deep knowledge of the Monrovia market, she can help you sell your home quickly and keep more of your equity.
