How Much Is the Real Estate Commission to Sell a House on Staten Island or in Brooklyn in 2026?

The real estate commission to sell a house on Staten Island or in Brooklyn in 2026 typically totals 5% to 6% of the sale price, with the national average around 5.7%. Commission is always negotiable, and after the 2024 industry rule changes, how it is paid has shifted. Joseph Ranola, Team Leader of the Bridge and Boro Real Estate Team at Real Broker LLC, breaks down exactly what sellers in both boroughs pay in 2026 — and how to think about net proceeds instead of the percentage.

How much is the real estate commission to sell a house in NYC in 2026?

Across the country in 2026, total real estate commission averages about 5.7%, split roughly into a 2.88% listing-side share and a 2.82% buyer-agent share. Most Staten Island and Brooklyn sellers land in the familiar 5% to 6% range. The dollars matter more than the percentage: at a 5% total commission, a $700,000 Staten Island home costs $35,000 in commission, while a $1.1 million Clinton Hill, Brooklyn home costs $55,000. Every point is negotiable, and the right structure depends on your home, your timeline, and your local market.

Did the NAR settlement change real estate commissions in 2026?

Yes — and this is the single biggest change sellers ask about. The August 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement made two practical changes that are now standard in 2026. First, buyer-agent compensation can no longer be advertised in the MLS; any offer of compensation is negotiated off the MLS, by phone, email, or in the contract. Second, buyers must sign a written representation agreement with their agent before touring homes. Despite predictions of collapsing fees, tracking of closed transactions at the largest brokerages found no meaningful change in average buyer-agent commissions after the rules took effect. The result is more transparency and more negotiation — not dramatically lower costs.

If you’re selling on Staten Island, here’s what’s different

Staten Island is a homeowner’s market dominated by one- to three-family houses, with a borough median around $708,000 in 2026. Commission conversations here usually center on a single-family or multi-family sale, and the listing-side marketing that drives competing offers — professional photography, video, and aggressive online syndication — is where a full-service agent earns the fee. Staten Island closings also involve a real estate attorney for both sides, which is a separate cost from commission. With 30-year mortgage rates near 6.5% in June 2026, buyers are price-sensitive, so pricing and presentation directly affect your net after commission.

If you’re selling in Brooklyn, here’s what’s different

Brooklyn layers in property types Staten Island rarely sees: co-ops, condos, and brownstones, with neighborhood medians ranging from roughly $1.1 million in Clinton Hill to well above that in prime brownstone areas. Co-op sales add a flip tax (paid by the seller in many buildings) and a board-approval process on top of commission, and condos carry their own closing costs. Because Brooklyn price points are higher, the same commission percentage represents far more money — which is exactly why Brooklyn sellers should focus on the net-proceeds math, not just the rate. A skilled listing agent who generates multiple offers frequently more than covers the commission through a higher final price.

Do sellers still pay the buyer’s agent commission in 2026?

Often, yes. Seller-paid buyer-agent compensation is now optional rather than assumed, but most sellers in both boroughs still offer it. Offering compensation keeps the buyer pool wide and attracts agent-represented buyers who are pre-qualified and ready to transact — and a wider, more qualified buyer pool protects your sale price. Joseph Ranola helps each seller decide what to offer based on the specific home and current demand. Run your own numbers with the Staten Island or Brooklyn home value tools.

How can I pay a lower commission — and is it worth it?

You can negotiate the rate, ask about tiered or flexible structures, or choose an agent whose marketing demonstrably pays for itself in a higher sale price. But the smartest sellers optimize for net proceeds at closing, not the lowest commission. A discount listing that under-markets your home can easily net you less than a full-service sale that ignites a bidding war. The real question is not “what’s the cheapest commission?” — it’s “which agent puts the most money in my pocket after all fees?” Joseph Ranola answers that with comps and a clear net sheet before you ever sign.

Ready to see your number? Compare borough strategies in Joseph’s guides to investment property in New Brighton, Staten Island and relocating to Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, then reach out for a free net-proceeds estimate.