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Who Pays Realtor Fees in Ohio? Understanding the Costs of Buying and Selling Property

Apr 14, 2025

Who Pays Realtor Fees in Ohio? Understanding the Costs of Buying and Selling Property

1. Realtor Fees Overview

If you’re buying or selling a property in Ohio, one of the questions you might have is, “Who pays the realtor fees?” As a real estate professional who has navigated the buying and selling process myself, I can tell you that realtor fees can sometimes be confusing. Understanding who is responsible for these fees is crucial for planning your finances, whether you're a buyer or a seller.

Realtor fees are typically based on a percentage of the home’s selling price, but the specifics can vary. The real estate commission is often split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, which means both parties might think about the cost in different ways. In this article, I’ll break down the details of how realtor fees work in Ohio, who usually covers them, and whether you can negotiate these fees when buying or selling a home.

2. Who Pays the Realtor Fees in Ohio?

In Ohio, as with most other states in the U.S., the payment of realtor fees can depend on whether you are buying or selling a property. From my experience in Ohio's real estate market, it’s common practice for the seller to pay both the listing agent’s and the buyer’s agent’s commissions. This might seem like an automatic cost for sellers, but it’s essential to know that the seller’s commission is usually built into the final price of the home.

For example, if you’re selling a home in Ohio and the home is listed at $300,000, and the agreed-upon realtor fee is 6%, you’re looking at a total commission of $18,000. Typically, this 6% commission is split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, meaning each agent receives 3%. Even though the seller pays the total commission, the buyer is indirectly paying their agent’s commission through the sale price of the home. This setup helps simplify the process for buyers since they don’t have to worry about paying their agent directly.

3. How Realtor Fees Are Structured in Ohio

Realtor fees in Ohio are typically structured as a percentage of the final sale price of the home. The standard commission for most transactions in Ohio is between 5% and 6%, but it’s always important to clarify this upfront before entering into a contract. As I’ve found in my own dealings, these fees are negotiable, especially if the home is in a hot market or the seller has a particularly high-value property.

The 5% to 6% commission is usually split equally between the seller’s and the buyer’s agents, with each receiving 2.5% to 3%. This commission is calculated based on the agreed-upon sale price of the property. However, it's worth mentioning that in some cases, sellers and buyers may agree to a different commission structure, particularly if the seller is offering additional incentives to the buyer’s agent.

3.1 Example of a Standard Realtor Fee Structure

Let’s say you’re selling a home for $400,000 in Ohio, and the total realtor commission is 6%. This would result in a total commission of $24,000. If this is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, each agent would receive $12,000. Even though the seller is paying both agents, this commission is typically accounted for in the home’s final price, which means the buyer is effectively contributing to the buyer's agent’s commission through the sale price.

4. Negotiating Realtor Fees in Ohio

As a buyer or seller in Ohio, it’s essential to know that realtor fees are negotiable. Although the standard commission is around 6%, you can negotiate these fees before signing a contract. I’ve had clients who were able to reduce their realtor fees, especially if the home sale price is high or if the seller is in a hurry to close a deal. Here are a few strategies for negotiating realtor fees:

4.1 Negotiating with the Seller’s Agent

As a seller, you can always try negotiating the commission with your agent. Some agents might be willing to lower their commission if they believe that a quick sale is likely or if the home is in a desirable neighborhood. In my experience, many sellers are able to negotiate a reduction in the listing agent’s fee, especially when their homes are priced competitively or when they are working with an experienced agent who wants to close deals quickly.

4.2 Buyer’s Agent Fees

While it’s rare, some buyers may be able to negotiate with the buyer’s agent to lower their commission. I’ve seen this happen when a buyer is purchasing a high-value home or when the buyer is working with an agent who is already representing multiple clients. However, this negotiation is less common because the buyer’s agent is usually compensated through the seller’s commission, so the buyer isn’t directly paying the agent's fee.

5. Real Estate Commission: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Understanding the real estate commission structure in Ohio can help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions. While the seller typically covers the realtor fees, it's important to remember that these fees are part of the overall cost of buying or selling a property. As I mentioned earlier, the buyer is essentially contributing to the buyer's agent’s commission through the purchase price of the property. Sellers also need to factor in the realtor fees when setting their asking price, as these fees can be significant.

Both buyers and sellers should have an open conversation with their real estate agents about commission rates and any potential flexibility. It’s always worth discussing these costs upfront so there are no surprises down the road. Whether you’re buying or selling, a clear understanding of realtor fees can save you money and avoid confusion.

In conclusion, realtor fees in Ohio are generally paid by the seller, with the commission split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. However, these fees are negotiable, and both buyers and sellers should consider discussing them upfront to ensure they are getting the best deal possible. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Ohio, make sure to work with an experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the process and help you navigate any potential fee negotiations.

If you want to learn more about realtor fees or need assistance buying or selling property in Ohio, visit Beat Trigger for expert guidance and support.