If you’re thinking about selling your house, there’s a good chance you’re also wondering how much it’s going to cost. One of the biggest expenses? Realtor commissions. They’re often tucked into the deal so quietly that many sellers don’t realize how much money they’re giving up until closing day.
The average real estate agent takes about 5 to 6 percent of your home’s sale price. On a $300,000 home, that’s up to $18,000, just to pay agents. That’s money that could have gone toward your next move, your retirement, or simply back in your pocket.
The good news is you can avoid realtor commission. There are legal, safe, and smart ways to sell your house without handing over thousands in fees. You don’t need to go it alone or risk selling for less. You just need to know your options.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what realtor commissions actually cost, why more sellers are choosing to skip them, and how to avoid them altogether. Whether you want to sell fast, sell as-is, or just keep more of your hard-earned equity, this post will show you how.
What Realtor Commissions Really Cost You
If you’ve ever sold a house through a traditional real estate agent, you know the commission can take a big chunk out of your profit. Most sellers don’t fully grasp the cost until closing day, when the numbers hit the settlement statement.
Realtor commissions are usually around 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price. That percentage is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. It might sound small, but it adds up fast.
Here’s what that looks like in real dollars:
- On a $250,000 home: $12,500 to $15,000
- On a $400,000 home: $20,000 to $24,000
- On a $600,000 home: $30,000 to $36,000
That’s not just a line item, it’s your equity. It’s money you’ve earned by owning the home, keeping up with mortgage payments, and maintaining the property. Giving it away in commission fees can feel like a gut punch.
It gets worse when you’re buying and selling at the same time. You might pay commission on the home you’re selling and roll closing costs into the mortgage on your next one. That’s money leaving your account twice, not once.
If you want to avoid realtor commission and hold on to more of your profit, it helps to understand what you’re really paying for, and what alternatives exist.
Why Sellers Are Looking for Alternatives
For many homeowners, the traditional way of selling a house just doesn’t make sense anymore. The high cost of realtor commissions is only part of the problem. The entire process, listing, showings, inspections, repairs, negotiations, can stretch out for weeks or even months.
That kind of delay comes with real costs. You’re still paying the mortgage, utilities, insurance, and property taxes while your home sits on the market. You might also be paying for repairs or updates just to attract buyers. And even after all that, there’s no guarantee your deal will close.
Here’s what’s pushing more sellers to avoid realtor commission and find a different path:
Less control: Traditional sales put the timeline in someone else’s hands. You’re at the mercy of buyer financing, appraisals, and unexpected delays.
High prep costs: From repainting to staging to full renovations, many sellers feel pressured to spend money just to get their home “market ready.”
Uncertainty: Even after accepting an offer, deals can fall apart. Inspections can trigger costly repairs or price negotiations. Financing can fall through. Buyers can walk away.
Lost equity: Paying a realtor commission means parting with thousands that could go toward your next chapter.
When you look at the full picture, it’s easy to see why more sellers are exploring options like cash offers, flat-fee services, or doing it themselves. The goal isn’t just to save money, it’s to make the process simpler, faster, and less stressful.
How to Avoid Realtor Commission Legally and Safely
If you want to skip the steep cost of traditional real estate commissions, the good news is you have options. There are several legal, straightforward ways to sell your home without hiring a full-service agent. Each approach comes with its own pros and cons, depending on your situation and goals.
Here are the most common ways homeowners avoid realtor commission:
Sell it yourself (For Sale By Owner)
This is the most direct way to cut out commissions. You handle everything: pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, and paperwork. It works best if you have some real estate experience or a simple, high-demand property. But be prepared to put in time and effort.
Work with a flat-fee MLS service
These services list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for a one-time fee. It gives your property visibility on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com without paying a full agent commission. You still handle showings, offers, and contracts, but the exposure can help bring in more buyers.
Sell to a real estate investor or cash buyer
Many homeowners choose to avoid realtor commission by selling directly to an investor, like Express Homebuyers. These buyers purchase homes as-is, often with no repairs, no cleanouts, and no inspections. The process is fast, and you won’t pay agent fees or closing costs.
Each of these paths can help you keep more of your home’s equity. The key is choosing the one that fits your timeline, comfort level, and financial goals. If saving money and avoiding hassle are priorities, it’s worth considering alternatives that put you back in control.
Selling Without an Agent: What You Should Know
A no agent home sale might sound bold, but thousands of sellers do it every year, and save thousands in the process. If you’re considering this route, it’s important to understand what you’re taking on and how to do it wisely.
The biggest benefit is obvious: you avoid realtor commission. That means more equity stays in your pocket. You also stay in control. You choose the price, set the timeline, and decide who to work with.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Selling without an agent means you’ll be responsible for the full transaction. That includes:
- Setting the right asking price
- Marketing your home (online and offline)
- Scheduling and handling showings
- Responding to offers and negotiating terms
- Managing legal paperwork and disclosures
Some sellers find this overwhelming. Others see it as a way to stay in the driver’s seat.
A no agent home sale can work well if:
- Your home is in a hot market with high demand
- You’re comfortable researching prices and paperwork
- You have time to manage showings and buyer communication
- You’re not in a rush and can wait for the right buyer
If you’re looking for speed, simplicity, or a more hands-off sale, selling to a trusted cash buyer might be a better fit. Either way, knowing your options helps you make a decision that protects your time, your energy, and your money.
Selling As-Is for Cash: A Fast, Commission-Free Option
If the idea of handling showings, paperwork, and negotiations doesn’t appeal to you, selling your home as-is for cash might be your best path forward. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid realtor commission and skip the long, expensive process of a traditional sale.
Cash buyers, like professional real estate investors, purchase homes directly from sellers. There’s no listing, no staging, and no agent fees. No repairs, no cleanouts, no waiting on buyer financing.
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- You reach out and share basic info about the property
- The buyer makes a no-obligation cash offer
- If you accept, they schedule a quick walkthrough or inspection
- You choose the closing date that works for you
You get paid, often in just a few days
This kind of sale can be especially helpful if your home needs repairs, you’re dealing with a stressful situation (like foreclosure, divorce, or probate), or you just want to move on without the hassle.
There are no showings, no commissions, and no surprises. Just a clear, fair offer and a fast closing. It’s not for everyone, but for many homeowners, it’s the easiest way to sell with confidence, and keep more of what’s yours.
How Much You Can Save Without a Realtor
One of the biggest reasons homeowners look for ways to avoid realtor commission is simple: the savings can be significant. When you sell your house the traditional way, a chunk of your equity disappears before you ever see the check. But when you skip the commission, you keep more of your money.
Let’s break it down.
Say you sell your house for $350,000. A 6 percent commission means you’re paying $21,000 to real estate agents. That’s before you factor in any repair costs, staging expenses, or time lost while waiting for the right buyer.
Now compare that to a direct cash sale:
- No agent commissions
- No renovation or staging costs
- Faster closing, so fewer holding costs like mortgage, taxes, and utilities
In many cases, sellers walk away with more money, not just because they save on commissions, but because they save time and avoid pouring more cash into a home they’re trying to leave.
You also gain peace of mind. No surprise fees. No waiting on buyers. No second-guessing whether the deal will close.
The real value of a no agent home sale isn’t just in dollars saved. It’s in the control you gain and the stress you avoid. That’s hard to put a price on.
Common Myths About Selling Without a Realtor
Many homeowners like the idea of saving money but hesitate to avoid realtor commission because of common fears. Some of these concerns are valid, but most are based on outdated assumptions or bad experiences with the wrong buyer.
Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths.
“You won’t get a fair offer.”
The truth: A fair offer depends on your goals. If you’re avoiding repairs, commissions, and months of waiting, a slightly lower price can still net you more in the end. Many sellers find they walk away with just as much, sometimes more, when they sell directly to a serious cash buyer.
“It’s risky.”
Not if you work with a legitimate company. Look for a buyer with a strong reputation, a clear process, and real reviews from real people. A good buyer will be upfront about pricing, close on your terms, and explain each step. There should never be pressure.
“Only desperate people go this route.”
Not anymore. More sellers today choose a no-agent home sale to stay in control, move faster, and avoid hassle. It’s a smart option for people who want a clean break, not just those in crisis.
You don’t have to sell the traditional way. You don’t have to take unnecessary risks. You just need to know what to look for, and who to trust.
What to Look for in a Trusted Cash Buyer
If you’re ready to avoid realtor commission and sell your home without an agent, choosing the right cash buyer is key. Not all buyers operate with transparency or your best interest in mind. The right partner will make the process simple, fair, and stress-free.
Here’s what to look for:
Experience that’s proven
Work with a company that has been in business for years, not months. A seasoned buyer knows how to navigate unique situations like inherited homes, foreclosure, or homes that need repairs. They’ve seen it all and can guide you through it.
Real reviews from real people
Don’t just take their word for it. Check their online reviews, Better Business Bureau rating, and track record. A trusted buyer should be proud to show how they’ve helped other homeowners.
Clear, honest communication
The process should be straightforward. A good buyer will explain the offer, walk you through the timeline, and answer every question. If someone avoids details or pressures you to act fast, that’s a red flag.
Flexibility on closing
You should never feel rushed. A reputable buyer will let you pick your closing date and work with your schedule, not the other way around.
No fees or surprises
There should be no commissions, no service charges, and no last-minute deductions. The number you’re quoted should be the number you walk away with.
When you choose the right buyer, selling your home becomes simpler, faster, and far less stressful. You protect your time, your peace of mind, and your bottom line.
You Have More Power Than You Think
Realtor commissions might be the norm, but they’re not a requirement. You have options. And depending on your goals, skipping the traditional process might be the smartest move you make.
You can avoid realtor commission without cutting corners or sacrificing your peace of mind. Whether you choose to sell the home yourself, work with a flat-fee MLS, or go with a trusted cash buyer, the right strategy can help you save thousands and take back control.
You don’t need to fix everything. You don’t need to wait months for the right offer. And you definitely don’t need to give away part of your hard-earned equity just to make a sale happen.
If you’re looking for a simpler way to sell, start by talking to someone who listens first. At Express Homebuyers, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners move forward on their terms, without the stress and fees of a traditional sale.
Check out our reviews to see what real sellers say about working with us. You might be closer to your next step than you think.