The traditional real estate commission model is shifting — especially when it comes to who pays the buyer’s agent. In North Carolina, where commissions have hovered slightly above the national average, sellers and buyers are now facing new decisions about how much is “fair,” who should pay it, and how to negotiate.

With the average total commission in North Carolina at 5.47%, here’s how to decide how much to pay your buyer’s agent.

The Numbers: What Buyer Agents Typically Earn in NC

According to Clever Real Estate, the average buyer’s agent commission in North Carolina is 2.57%, while listing agents earn around 2.9%, bringing the total to 5.47%. These numbers vary by metro area:

 

Average Commission Rates in North Carolina

City	Median Sale Price	Buyer Agent Commission (2.57%)
Charlotte	$405,922	$10,432
Raleigh	$440,000	$11,308
Wilmington	$495,000	$12,721

While these averages provide a benchmark, they are not fixed. Commissions are fully negotiable — and in today’s environment, often scrutinized.

Is 2.57% Still the Norm?

Buyer agent fees in North Carolina commonly fall within a 2.0% to 3.0% range. The amount offered can depend on:

• Market dynamics: In a seller’s market, where inventory is tight, sellers may feel less pressure to offer a full buyer agent commission. In a buyer’s market, higher commission incentives may help a listing stand out.
• Home price: On higher-value homes, agents may accept a lower percentage in exchange for a higher flat-dollar payout.
• Broker structure: Commission splits between brokers-in-charge (BICs) and provisional brokers often dilute what the agent takes home, which may impact their willingness to accept reduced rates.

What Happens If You Offer Less Than 2.57%?

Sellers who offer less than the standard 2.57% may find that buyer agents are less motivated to show the home — or may exclude it entirely when advising clients. While that may not matter in extremely hot submarkets, it’s a strategic risk.

The impact of offering a lower commission varies by market conditions, property type, and price point. Homes in desirable locations or in limited inventory markets may attract buyers regardless, but others may require stronger incentives to gain visibility among agents.

How Commissions Are Split Behind the Scenes

A buyer agent receiving 2.5% commission doesn’t necessarily keep the full amount. According to Aceable Agent, many provisional brokers in North Carolina split their commissions with their brokerage, typically on a 50/50 basis.

That means a 2.5% commission on a $400,000 home ($10,000) might yield just $5,000 in take-home pay. Brokers-in-charge may offer more favorable splits to experienced agents, but new or part-time agents often earn less per transaction.

Why Sellers Still Often Pay Buyer Agent Fees

Although sellers are no longer required to cover the buyer’s agent compensation, many still do — and for practical reasons. According to Bankrate, offering a buyer agent commission:

• Increases buyer access to the home (many buyers can’t afford to pay their agent directly).
• Encourages agents to show the property.
• Reduces buyer friction at closing.

As Clever notes, a seller who doesn’t offer a competitive commission may see fewer showings and a longer time on market.

VERY IMPORTANT-the NAR Settlement’s Role

Under the terms of the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer agents must now have written agreements with their clients before showing homes. These agreements will specify compensation terms and reinforce the buyer’s role in determining how their agent is paid.

This eliminates the default assumption that the seller will pay both sides — and puts more responsibility on the buyer and their agent to discuss and document compensation strategy in advance. The MLS will also no longer display compensation offers to buyer agents, further shifting these conversations offline and into the negotiation phase.

How to Decide What to Offer a Buyer’s Agent

With the seller no longer automatically paying the buyer’s agent, both sides need to think strategically. For sellers, offering a typical commission remains the simplest path to maximizing showings and interest. For buyers, it’s increasingly important to understand how to fund buyer agent compensation if it’s not offered by the seller.

In a recent video, mortgage advisor Nicole Rueth outlined four common ways buyers can cover their agent’s commission in today’s market:

1. Ask the Seller to Pay

Buyers can request that the seller cover their agent’s fee — similar to asking for a credit toward closing costs. This is negotiable and not subject to federal limits on interested party contributions, unlike traditional lender or title fee credits.

2. Adjust the Down Payment

Buyers with more than the minimum down payment can reallocate funds. For example, reducing a 10% down payment to 5% may free up cash to cover commission and closing costs while maintaining loan eligibility.

3. Use Down Payment Assistance

State and local assistance programs allow buyers to preserve personal savings for other costs. Even qualified buyers may benefit from grants or loans that cover down payment needs and free up money for agent fees or moving expenses.

4. Increase the Purchase Price or Interest Rate

Some buyers negotiate a higher purchase price or accept a slightly elevated interest rate in exchange for seller-paid credits at closing. These funds can then be used to cover the buyer agent commission, but must be balanced against the long-term cost of the mortgage.

Each of these strategies depends on close coordination with both the buyer’s agent and lender. The earlier buyers plan for agent compensation, the better positioned they’ll be when making an offer.

Alternatives to Paying Full Buyer Agent Commission

Sellers who want to avoid the full 2.57% buyer agent fee have options:

• For Sale by Owner (FSBO): Sellers can offer a flat buyer agent fee — or none at all. This gives full control over terms but may limit exposure to agent-represented buyers.
• Discount brokerages: FeeViews lets you list your own rate for a very low cost, making it easier for sellers to still offer buyer agent compensation while saving on the list-side.
• Cash buyers: Companies that buy homes directly eliminate commissions but often pay below market value. Sellers should weigh speed against profit.

Final Thoughts: Fair Doesn’t Mean Fixed

While 2.57% remains the average, sellers offering less may see reduced visibility unless the property is uniquely attractive. Buyers, meanwhile, must prepare to fund their agent’s fee if the seller does not.

Remember: Real estate commissions are no longer an invisible line item baked into the transaction. They’re now one of the most flexible — and strategic — levers in the deal.