Commission guide
Texas real estate commission rates
The average real estate commission in Texas is 5.85%, about $18,135 on a $310,000 home. Here's exactly how that breaks down, what changed after the NAR settlement, and how to pay less.
Total rate
5.85%
Listing agent
2.88%
Buyer agent
2.97%
Median price
$310,000
What you'll actually pay in Texas
On a $310,000 home (the Texas median), the total commission breaks down like this:
| Fee | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Listing agent commission | 2.88% | $8,928 |
| Buyer agent commission | 2.97% | $9,207 |
| Total commission | 5.85% | $18,135 |
The listing agent's commission (2.88%) is paid by the seller from the sale proceeds. The buyer's agent commission (2.97%) was traditionally also paid by the seller, but since the NAR settlement in August 2024, this is negotiated separately.
In practice, most Texas 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 Texas
The NAR settlement took effect in August 2024, and the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) updated its rules to require buyer representation agreements specifying compensation before property showings. Texas's average total commission dropped from approximately 5.96% pre-settlement to 5.85%, a 0.11 percentage point decline, more modest than some states because Texas's already-competitive agent market had been driving rates toward transparency before the settlement. Austin has seen the most adjustment due to its market correction and increased buyer leverage. Texas is a title-company closing state where the seller traditionally pays for the owner's title policy, a convention that exists independent of agent commissions. About 37% of sellers nationally now negotiate commission post-settlement, and Texas's major metros are tracking at or above that rate.
Before NAR settlement
5.96%
Total commission ($18,476 on $310,000)
Buyer agent rate: 3.08%
After NAR settlement
5.85%
Total commission ($18,135 on $310,000)
Savings: $341 per transaction
The NAR settlement, effective August 2024, ended the practice of listing buyer agent compensation on the MLS. In Texas, this means:
- Buyer representation agreements are required. Before touring any home in Texas, 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 Texas have dropped from 3.08% to 2.97%.
- Sellers can still offer buyer agent compensation. Most Texas 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 Texas
Commission rates vary across Texas metros. Higher-priced markets tend to have slightly lower percentage rates because agents earn more per transaction.
| City | Listing | Buyer | Total | On median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | 2.88% | 2.97% | 5.85% | $26,325 |
| San Antonio | 2.88% | 2.97% | 5.85% | $16,673 |
| Dallas | 2.88% | 2.97% | 5.85% | $22,815 |
| Houston | 2.88% | 2.97% | 5.85% | $19,013 |
| Fort Worth | 2.85% | 2.94% | 5.79% | $19,107 |
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 Texas
How to negotiate commission in Texas
Commission rates in Texas 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 Texas:
1. Use the Texas option period as negotiation context
Texas contracts include an option period (typically 7-10 days) where buyers can terminate for any reason after paying a small option fee. This creates a natural conversation point: ask your agent what services they provide during the option period and how that justifies their fee. An agent who actively manages inspections, renegotiations, and repairs during the option period provides measurable value.
2. Compare across the massive Texas agent pool
Texas has one of the largest real estate agent populations in the US. Interview at least three agents, traditional, flat-fee, and discount models are all well-represented in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Let agents know you're comparing. Competition works in your favor, especially in Austin and Houston where market corrections have made agents hungrier for listings.
3. Frame commission savings against property taxes
Texas property taxes (1.8-2.5% effective rate) are among the highest in the nation, the trade-off for no state income tax. A 0.5% commission reduction on a $310,000 home saves $1,550, which is equivalent to 2-3 months of property tax payments. Framing the conversation in terms of total ownership cost resonates with Texas's cost-conscious buyer and seller base.
4. Use the TREC Seller's Disclosure Notice to sharpen your negotiation
Texas requires sellers to complete TREC form OP-H, the Seller's Disclosure Notice, a detailed questionnaire covering structural condition, flooding history, environmental hazards, and known defects. TREC proposed six new disclosure requirements in February 2026, including insurance coverage status and a standalone Water Notice (form 61-0) for groundwater and surface water rights. Review this disclosure before your agent lists your home or before you make an offer as a buyer. A clean disclosure with no material issues strengthens your case for a lower listing commission: "This is a straightforward sale with no surprises, what rate reflects that?"
5. Compare flat-fee listing options in your TX metro
Texas's major metros have well-established flat-fee and discount brokerages. SimpleShowing offers full-service listing at 1% commission with a $5,000 minimum, professional photography, pricing analysis, and MLS exposure included. Trelora charges $3,000–$4,000 for a basic listing package. Houzeo offers MLS-only listings starting at $249 plus 0.5% at closing. On a $310,000 home at the state median, listing with SimpleShowing at 1% versus a traditional 2.88% agent saves roughly $5,830 in listing-side commission. Even if you go traditional, having a flat-fee quote in hand gives you concrete leverage.
Calculate your Texas commission
Enter your home price to see exactly what you'd pay in agent commissions at Texas average rates. Compare buyer vs seller costs and see how referral platform fees affect your agent.
Average rates in Texas: 2.88% listing + 2.97% buyer = 5.85% 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 $3,082 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.
Texas 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 Texas
Browse vetted agents across Texas 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.
Colorado Commission Rates
Average 5.28% total rate on a $490,000 median home.
Arizona Commission Rates
Average 5.48% total rate on a $400,000 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.