Commission guide
Arizona real estate commission rates
The average real estate commission in Arizona is 5.48%, about $21,920 on a $400,000 home. Here's exactly how that breaks down, what changed after the NAR settlement, and how to pay less.
Total rate
5.48%
Listing agent
2.76%
Buyer agent
2.72%
Median price
$400,000
What you'll actually pay in Arizona
On a $400,000 home (the Arizona median), the total commission breaks down like this:
| Fee | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.76% | $11,040 |
| Buyer agent commission | 2.72% | $10,880 |
| Total commission | 5.48% | $21,920 |
The listing agent's commission (2.76%) is paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. The buyer's agent commission (2.72%) was traditionally also paid by the seller, but since the NAR settlement in August 2024, this is negotiated separately.
In practice, most Arizona sellers still offer to cover the buyer's agent commission to attract more offers, but the amount is no longer set by the MLS. Buyers should be prepared to negotiate this cost directly with their agent.
How the NAR settlement changed Arizona
The NAR settlement took effect in August 2024, and the Arizona Department of Real Estate updated its regulations to require buyer representation agreements specifying compensation before property showings. Arizona's average total commission dropped from approximately 5.72% pre-settlement to 5.48%, a 0.24 percentage point decline driven primarily by buyer agent rate compression. Phoenix has seen the most adjustment given its large transaction volume and competitive agent market. Arizona is an escrow-company closing state (no attorney required), and the listing agent plays a key role in coordinating inspections, appraisals, and the post-settlement buyer agent compensation negotiations. About 37% of sellers nationally now negotiate commission post-settlement, and Arizona's competitive Phoenix market is tracking at or above that rate.
Before NAR settlement
5.72%
Total commission ($22,880 on $400,000)
Buyer agent rate: 2.88%
After NAR settlement
5.48%
Total commission ($21,920 on $400,000)
Savings: $960 per transaction
The NAR settlement, effective August 2024, ended the practice of listing buyer agent compensation on the MLS. In Arizona, this means:
- Buyer representation agreements are required. Before touring any home in Arizona, buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent that clearly states what the agent will be paid.
- Commission is more negotiable. With rates no longer set on the MLS, agents are more open to discussing their fees. Average buyer agent rates in Arizona have dropped from 2.88% to 2.72%.
- Sellers can still offer buyer agent compensation. Most Arizona sellers continue to offer it, but the amount and terms are negotiated directly between the parties rather than advertised publicly.
Commission rates by city in Arizona
Commission rates vary across Arizona metros. Higher-priced markets tend to have slightly lower percentage rates because agents earn more per transaction.
| City | Listing | Buyer | Total | On median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 2.74% | 2.7% | 5.44% | $24,208 |
| Scottsdale | 2.72% | 2.68% | 5.40% | $49,950 |
| Tucson | 2.78% | 2.74% | 5.52% | $17,388 |
Rates are averages based on 2024–2025 transaction data. Actual rates depend on agent, home price, and negotiation. Median home prices sourced from Zillow Home Value Index.
Find an agent in Arizona
How to negotiate commission in Arizona
Commission rates in Arizona are always negotiable. They have never been fixed by law or regulation. Since the NAR settlement, more buyers and sellers are negotiating, and agents are increasingly open to competitive pricing. Here are strategies specific to Arizona:
1. Use Phoenix's stabilized market as leverage
Phoenix prices are essentially flat YoY with 2.4 months of inventory and 65 days on market, agents are competing for listings. Get quotes from at least three agents, ask each about their rate and included services, and let them know you are comparing.
2. Factor HOA dues into the total cost conversation
Master-planned communities (nearly universal in the Phoenix suburbs) carry $150-$500/month in HOA dues. When discussing commission, frame the conversation in terms of total transaction and ownership cost, a commission reduction can offset months of HOA payments. This resonates with Phoenix's cost-conscious buyer and seller base.
3. Get three agent quotes, not one
47% of homeowners hire the first agent they talk to. That's negotiation leverage left on the table. Interview at least three agents, ask each for their commission rate and what services are included, and let them know you're comparing. Phoenix's large agent population creates natural competition.
4. Leverage Arizona's BINSR inspection period as a buyer negotiation moment
Arizona's Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response (BINSR) creates a 10-day inspection window where buyers can request repairs, renegotiate price, or cancel the contract entirely. This is your strongest leverage point as a buyer to revisit the total cost of the transaction: including what you're paying your agent. Before signing the Buyer Broker Exclusive Employment Agreement, negotiate your agent's rate. Arizona also charges no real estate transfer tax (banned by Proposition 100 in 2008), so commission is your single largest transaction cost, worth negotiating hard.
5. Compare flat-fee listing options in Phoenix and statewide
Arizona has strong flat-fee alternatives at every price point. AZ Flat Fee charges a $500 retainer plus $3,500 at closing for full-service listing, dedicated negotiation support, professional marketing, and MLS exposure, with a 4.9-star Google rating. Houzeo offers MLS-only listings starting at $249 plus 0.5% at closing. On a $400,000 home at the state median, listing with AZ Flat Fee at $4,000 total versus a traditional 2.76% agent ($11,040) saves roughly $7,040 in listing-side commission. Since Arizona has no transfer tax and relatively low closing costs (about 3% of sale price), commission is overwhelmingly the largest seller expense, and the one with the most room to negotiate.
Calculate your Arizona commission
Enter your home price to see exactly what you'd pay in agent commissions at Arizona average rates. Compare buyer vs seller costs and see how referral platform fees affect your agent.
Average rates in Arizona: 2.76% listing + 2.72% buyer = 5.48% total
What you'll pay as a buyer
Since the NAR settlement (August 2024), buyers may need to pay their agent directly. Here's what that looks like at $415,000.
Your agent keeps $2,822 more of their commission
With our 25% referral fee vs. the industry's 33-40%, your agent keeps more, which means more resources for your deal, not the platform.
Need the full tool? Try our commission calculator with all states and comparison mode.
Arizona commission FAQ
Related resources
Commission Rates by State
Compare rates across all states with our full breakdown.
Commission Calculator
Interactive tool to estimate your exact costs as a buyer or seller.
Find an Agent in Arizona
Browse vetted agents across Arizona metros.
NAR Settlement Explained
Full breakdown of what changed for buyers and sellers in 2024.
How Agentsorted Works
See how we match you with a vetted local agent.
North Carolina Commission Rates
Average 5.53% total rate on a $340,000 median home.
South Carolina Commission Rates
Average 5.65% total rate on a $340,000 median home.
Florida Commission Rates
Average 5.57% total rate on a $400,000 median home.
Georgia Commission Rates
Average 5.66% total rate on a $330,000 median home.
Texas Commission Rates
Average 5.85% total rate on a $310,000 median home.
Colorado Commission Rates
Average 5.28% total rate on a $490,000 median home.
Virginia Commission Rates
Average 5.19% total rate on a $380,000 median home.
Idaho Commission Rates
Average 5.39% total rate on a $410,000 median home.
Alabama Commission Rates
Average 5.55% total rate on a $230,000 median home.
Tennessee Commission Rates
Average 5.32% total rate on a $330,000 median home.
Ready to find your agent?
Answer a few questions and get matched in minutes. 100% free.