I want to start by saying that Realtor compensation is all over the map and is whatever is negotiated between them and their clients.
What we have found is that the national average in 2026 sits around 5.44% to 5.70%. In California, it seems to be closer to 5.18% to 5.47%. This total is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, with each side receiving what they negotiated.
Following the 2024 NAR settlement, commission structures are more transparent. Sellers are no longer assumed to offer a buyer agent
compensation upfront, which, in my opinion, has turned out to be a good thing for sellers. It gets negotiated when the buyer submits their offer.
Rates vary based on property price, location, market conditions, and the level of service provided. In North Park, where homes regularly
sell between $900,000 and $1.5+M, a difference of even 0.5% in commission adds up fast.
Discount brokerages may advertise lower rates, but fewer services can mean less marketing exposure and a lower final sale price, which often costs more than the commission savings.
Before signing any listing agreement, ask exactly what services are included. Real Estate is negotiable today as it has always been.
What Changed After 2024
In 2024, the National Association of Realtors settled a major lawsuit that changed how buyer’s agent compensation works. Sellers are no longer assumed to offer a set commission to the buyer’s agent. Buyers now negotiate their agent’s compensation directly. Many San Diego sellers still offer buyer’s agent compensation to attract more offers. But the amount is negotiable and varies by transaction, and depending on the offer.
Is the Percentage Negotiable?
Yes. Commission rates are not fixed by law and have always been negotiable, but now it is more transparent to all parties up front.
That said, a lower rate doesn’t always mean a better deal. An agent who cuts their fee may also cut their marketing budget, which can cost you more in the final sale price than you saved on commission.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Listing Agreement
Before you commit to any agent, ask these questions directly:
- What is your total commission?
- What marketing is included at that rate?
- Do you reduce your services if I negotiate a lower fee?
- How many North Park homes have you sold?
- Are you familiar with selling older homes?
A good agent will answer all of these without hesitation.
A Lower Commission Does Not Always Mean More Money in Your Pocket
Those numbers can feel like a lot. But here’s what most sellers don’t consider: hiring an agent simply because they agree to charge less does not mean you will net more money when all is said and done. In many cases, you can end up with less. Here’s why. An agent who cuts their fee may also lack the experience to negotiate their fee and what they are worth, but also effectively when it counts most. In a North Park sale, there are two major moments where negotiation directly affects your bottom line:
- Offer negotiation: Getting you the strongest price and terms from the start, not just accepting the first offer that comes in on day one.
- Inspection negotiation: Here’s when things get spicy, and an experienced agent comes into play. When a buyer submits a request for “repairs” after their inspections, an experienced agent knows what to push back on, what to offer as a credit, and what to hold firm on. An inexperienced agent often folds, and that can cost you thousands of dollars on a North Park home.
The commission is one line item. Your net proceeds depend on the full picture, pricing strategy, marketing reach, offer strength, and how well your agent handles the inevitable friction points in escrow.
What Does McT Real Estate Group Charge?
We’re happy to talk through our fee structure directly. Every situation is different, and we’d rather give you a straight answer based on your specific home and goals than quote a number without context.
The McT Real Estate Group has closed 530+ transactions, mostly in North Park and surrounding neighborhoods.
We know what it takes to get strong terms in 92104, not just get it sold.
Start with a free home valuation to see what your North Park home is worth, or contact us for a no-pressure conversation.