Average Realtor Fees in Alaska | Updated for 2023

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  Written by Lindsay Stefan

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  Edited by Kristy Snyder

In this guide: How much you’ll pay | Average Alaska realtor fees | How Alaska agents set rates | How to save on commission in Alaska | FAQ | Our research

The average total real estate commission in Alaska is 4.99%. This includes a 2.54% listing agent commission and a 2.45% buyer’s agent commission. In Alaska, sellers typically cover the real estate commission fees for both agents out of their sale proceeds at closing. 

On the average Alaska home price of $345,363, you’d pay $17,234 in realtor fees as a seller.

Realtor fees vary considerably by region, city, or even neighborhood. The agent and brokerage you choose, as well as the specifics of your sale — like your home’s value, location, and condition — are also factors.

This guide breaks down how much commission sellers can expect to pay in Alaska. We’ll also explain why Alaska commissions are what they are (and offer up some tips that could help you save). 

Alaska real estate commission: How much will you pay?

Here’s what you can expect to pay in realtor commission based on the average home price of $345,363.

	Average rate	Cost
Listing agent commission	2.54%	$8,772
Buyer’s agent commission	2.45%	$8,461
Total realtor fees	4.99%	$17,234

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Clever has 12 vetted agents across Alaska from major brands like RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker. You compare options, choose the best fit, and get the same service and support for up to half the usual rate! 

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How much are realtor fees in Alaska?

The average total realtor fees in Alaska are 4.99% of the home’s sale price, which is lower than the national average of 5.37%. For the average Alaska home priced at $345,363, this works out to an average commission of $17,234. 

This commission is typically paid by the seller, out of the proceeds of their home sale.

Commission can vary a lot, though, depending on local market trends and many other factors. Experienced Alaska real estate agent Gary Cox of Real Estate Brokers of Alaska told us he usually sets his commission around that average.

“I typically set my rates between 5-6% and always split at LEAST 50% with the buyer’s agent,” says Cox.” I cannot stress enough how necessary it is to treat buyer’s agents well. Sometimes, properties require an extraordinary amount of work, may require financing intervention by myself, and, obviously, that rate may change.”

Alaska’s average commission is trending sharply downwards, falling from 5.20% in 2021. This might be because the number of home sales in Alaska saw a 48.1% decrease year-over-year. With fewer homes to sell, agents will do whatever they can to snag business — including reducing their commission.

How real Alaska agents and brokers set commission rates

Nearly every agent we spoke to on this topic said their commission rate is negotiable.

“Every agent and broker sets their own fee structure,” Cox says. “There is no legal requirement to pay a fee, but it would be hard to sell your home without one.” 

Most agents set their commission based on how much time and labor they have to put into the sale. Some houses may get multiple offers after their first open house, while others may sit on the market for weeks or months before they find a buyer.

Agents also have to consider their commission split when setting rates. A realtor commission is typically split between four parties:

• The listing agent
• The listing agent’s broker
• The buyer’s agent
• The buyer’s agent broker

So in a conventional home sale, your listing agent isn’t making a 6% commission. They’re pocketing 1.5% — out of which they still have to pay taxes and various overhead costs like:

• Taxes: Most real estate agents are considered self-employed by the IRS and must pay taxes on their yearly earnings
• Association dues: $210–905 annually
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS) fees: $45-200 per month
• State license fees: $390 annually
• Administrative and support staff: Transaction coordinators, accountants and bookkeepers, schedulers, assistants, office managers, etc.
• Marketing: Digital advertising, signage fees, professional photos and fliers, pre-sale staging, open houses, etc.

How can I pay less on realtor fees in Alaska?

While it may take some outside-the-box thinking, there are a few ways you can save on realtor fees:

• Negotiate with a traditional real estate agent or broker
• Work with a discount real estate broker
• Sell without a realtor

Negotiate with a traditional realtor

Now that you know more about how agents set their commission rates, the key to negotiating a commission discount is showing them that it’s in their best interests. 

Negotiating can be awkward and uncomfortable. If you’d rather avoid it, you can find an agent through Clever Real Estate. They’ve already pre-negotiated a 1.5% listing fee with experienced agents in Alaska, so you don’t have to. Find an Alaska agent for less.

Work with a discount real estate broker

Some brokerages offer discounted realtor fees up front. These companies can help you save money, but some come with risks or worse-than-average customer service. Do your research to understand what you’ll get for the discounted fee. See how we ranked discount real estate brokers in your area based on savings, customer reviews, and our experience mystery shopping with each company.

To save an average of $7,000 on your listing fee without sacrificing service, Clever Real Estate is your best option.

Sell without a realtor

The ultimate way to save on realtor fees is to sell without a realtor — though we don’t recommend this to most Alaska sellers.

You’ll avoid paying a listing commission, but you’ll have to do all of the work of a listing agent on your own. Plus, you’ll still want to pay a full buyer’s agent commission to incentivize other agents to show your home to their buyers.

Learn more about how to sell a house without a realtor in Alaska.

Other FAQs about Alaska realtor fees

Research methodology

We regularly survey our pool of 14,000 partner agents nationwide on the commission rates they use for buying and selling. These data points are averages based on responses we’ve received from 2 agents in Alaska. 

We also interviewed realtor Gary Cox of Alaska Real Estate Brokers in Anchorage.

Sources

• Zillow Home Value Data
• Clever Real Estate Commission Survey Data
• Alaska Housing Market, Redfin
• Tax Tips for Real Estate Agents and Brokers, Intuit TurboTax
• New Members, Anchorage Board of Realtors
• Real Estate Commission Fee Schedule, State of Alaska