Commission guide

Georgia real estate commission rates

The average real estate commission in Georgia is 5.66%, about $18,678 on a $330,000 home. Here's exactly how that breaks down, what changed after the NAR settlement, and how to pay less.

Total rate

5.66%

Listing agent

2.76%

Buyer agent

2.91%

Median price

$330,000

What you'll actually pay in Georgia

On a $330,000 home (the Georgia median), the total commission breaks down like this:

FeeRateAmount
Listing agent commission2.76%$9,108
Buyer agent commission2.91%$9,603
Total commission5.66%$18,678

The listing agent's commission (2.76%) is paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. The buyer's agent commission (2.91%) was traditionally also paid by the seller, but since the NAR settlement in August 2024, this is negotiated separately.

In practice, most Georgia 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 Georgia

The NAR settlement took effect in August 2024, and the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) updated its regulations to require buyer representation agreements specifying compensation before property showings. Georgia's average total commission dropped from approximately 5.84% pre-settlement to 5.66%, a 0.18 percentage point decline driven primarily by buyer agent rate compression. Atlanta has seen the most adjustment given its large transaction volume, competitive agent market, and homes above $500K where percentage-based commissions create larger dollar amounts. Georgia is an attorney-closing state: a licensed attorney must supervise every real estate closing, which adds $800-$1,500 in attorney fees but provides legal protection for both parties. About 37% of sellers nationally now negotiate commission post-settlement, and Georgia's competitive Atlanta market is tracking at or above that rate.

Before NAR settlement

5.84%

Total commission ($19,272 on $330,000)

Buyer agent rate: 3.02%

After NAR settlement

5.66%

Total commission ($18,678 on $330,000)

Savings: $594 per transaction

The NAR settlement, effective August 2024, ended the practice of listing buyer agent compensation on the MLS. In Georgia, this means:

  • Buyer representation agreements are required. Before touring any home in Georgia, 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 Georgia have dropped from 3.02% to 2.91%.
  • Sellers can still offer buyer agent compensation. Most Georgia 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 Georgia

Commission rates vary across Georgia metros. Higher-priced markets tend to have slightly lower percentage rates because agents earn more per transaction.

CityTotalOn median
Atlanta5.67%$21,830
Savannah5.66%$19,810
Augusta5.66%$12,735

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 Georgia

How to negotiate commission in Georgia

Commission rates in Georgia 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 Georgia:

1. Use Georgia public deed records for leverage

Georgia records sale prices in public deed records. Before meeting with an agent, look up recent sales in your area through county tax assessor websites. Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Chatham counties all offer online property records. This gives you concrete comp data when discussing commission. If your $385,000 Atlanta home is in a hot neighborhood where listings go under contract quickly, you can make the case that a faster sale justifies a lower rate.

2. Negotiate before signing the buyer representation agreement

GREC now requires a signed buyer representation agreement specifying compensation before your agent shows you any property. Before you sign, ask: "Is this rate negotiable?" and "What happens if the seller offers less than this amount?" This is your best leverage point as a Georgia buyer.

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. Atlanta and Savannah's post-settlement markets have made rate conversations normal, not awkward.

4. Factor in attorney fees and transfer tax to negotiate total cost

Georgia is an attorney-closing state: a licensed attorney must supervise every real estate closing, adding $750–$1,250 in fixed legal fees. On top of that, sellers pay Georgia's transfer tax at $1 per $1,000 plus $0.10 per additional $100 of sale price, about $385 on a $385,000 Atlanta home. When negotiating commission, present the full picture: "Between attorney fees, transfer tax, and a 5.66% commission, I'm paying over $23,000 in transaction costs. What flexibility do you have on your rate?" Framing commission as one piece of a larger cost stack gives you leverage.

5. Compare flat-fee listing options in your GA metro

Georgia's major metros have well-established flat-fee alternatives. DUFFY Realty of Atlanta has sold over 57,000 homes since 2002 at a 1% listing commission, full service with a 4.8-star rating, not a stripped-down FSBO model. Houzeo offers statewide GA listings from $249 plus a percentage at closing. On a $385,000 Atlanta home, listing with DUFFY at 1% versus a traditional 2.76% agent saves roughly $6,800 in listing-side commission alone. Even if you go traditional, having a flat-fee quote in hand strengthens your negotiating position.

Calculate your Georgia commission

Enter your home price to see exactly what you'd pay in agent commissions at Georgia average rates. Compare buyer vs seller costs and see how referral platform fees affect your agent.

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Average rates in Georgia: 2.76% listing + 2.91% buyer = 5.66% 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.

Buyer agent commission
$12,077
2.91% of home price
At a lower 2% rate
$8,300
Save $3,777
At a 1.5% rate
$6,225
Save $5,852

Your agent keeps $3,020 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.

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