Published
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Edited by Kristy Snyder
Written by Jon Stubbs
Edited by Kristy Snyder
Why trust us: Our data is based on a survey of 650 real estate agents and brokers across the U.S. Learn how we researched.
In this guide: How much you’ll pay | Average New Hampshire realtor fees | How New Hampshire agents set rates | How to save on commission in New Hampshire | FAQ | Our research
The average total real estate commission in New Hampshire is 5.12%. This includes a 2.66% listing agent commission and a 2.46% buyer’s agent commission. In New Hampshire, sellers typically cover the real estate commission fees for both agents out of their sale proceeds at closing.
New Hampshire sellers pay an average of $21,986 in realtor fees, based on the average New Hampshire home price of $429,421.
Realtor commission rates 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 New Hampshire. We’ll also explain why New Hampshire commissions are what they are (and offer up some tips that could help you save).
New Hampshire 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 $429,421.
| Average rate | Cost | |
| Listing agent commission | 2.66% | $11,423 |
| Buyer’s agent commission | 2.46% | $10,564 |
| Total realtor fees | 5.12% | $21,986 |
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Clever’s partnered with 37 top-producing agents across New Hampshire 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!
Clever is free to use and there’s no obligation to work with any of the agents you’re matched with.
How much are realtor fees in New Hampshire?
Sellers in New Hampshire typically pay 5.12% in total realtor fees, compared to the national average of 5.37%.
However, the exact commission New Hampshire sellers will pay varies from one area to another. For instance, a realtor may charge a lower commission to sell a home in a popular Manchester neighborhood than they would to sell a remote vacation cabin in a northern region.
The exact commission you’ll pay to sell your home in New Hampshire depends on how challenging your home is to sell and if your realtor is willing to negotiate. For example, some real estate agents may provide a streamlined offering of services for a lower rate.
Realtor fees in New Hampshire also fluctuate with the real estate market. As an example, average total commission in New Hampshire was only 4.80% in 2021 when the market was red hot. But now, the market has started to cool, and commission has gone up.
As of early 2023, the median home price in New Hampshire is up 5.2% from one year ago, but the number of homes sold has gone down by 30.5% in that same period. Homes are also taking an average of 47 days to sell, which is six more days than 2022.
While increased home prices mean real estate agents are being paid slightly more on each sale, the average agent is probably selling fewer homes than they did one year ago. This is likely why commissions are higher than they were two years ago.
Remember: Realtor fees aren’t the only costs of selling a home. You also need to factor in the cost of repairs, your mortgage payoff amount, and closing costs.
How real New Hampshire agents and brokers set commission rates
The majority of agents are somewhat flexible when it comes to negotiating rates. Their commission rates are generally determined by the rates other agents in the region charge and the amount of effort required to sell a property.
The average total commission is usually around 5–6%, but that’s split among four parties. The listing agent and the buyer’s agent receive their share, which they then divide with their respective brokers. So while 6% on a sale can add up to tens of thousands of dollars, each agent receives approximately a quarter of the total commission.
The standard overhead expenses incurred by most agents cuts further into their total take-home pay. In New Hampshire, agents set their commission rates with these expenses in mind:
- Taxes: Most real estate brokers and agents are considered self-employed and must pay taxes on their transaction earnings each year
- Association dues: $150–300 annually
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS) fees: $450 annually
- State license fees: $90–110 every two years
- Administrative staff: Assistants can help with bookkeeping, scheduling, and other day-to-day operations
- Marketing costs: Professional photos, advertising, open houses, and staging
How can I save on realtor fees in New Hampshire?
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
Real estate agents are used to negotiating their fees. Their willingness to reduce their fees hinges on proving that selling your home will be easier than others.
Before you begin negotiating, gather evidence that your property is likely to sell easily. For instance, if your home is located in a highly sought-after neighborhood where homes are currently selling quickly, mention this to the agent.
One way to determine how quickly your home is likely to sell is by reviewing a comparative market analysis (CMA) provided by your agent. Alternatively, you may use online resources to create your own CMA.
Ways to negotiate lower realtor fees
- Use the same realtor for both buying and selling. Since they’ll be receiving commissions for both the listing and buyer’s agent roles, they may be willing to reduce the listing fee to secure both transactions.
- Do some of the work yourself. By performing tasks such as photographing your property and staging it for showings, you can lessen the amount of time and effort your agent needs to put in.
- Skip some of the advertising services. If you think you can sell without virtual tours or social media promotion, you can negotiate a lower fee with your agent in exchange for fewer services.
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 New Hampshire, so you don’t have to. Find a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Other FAQs about New Hampshire real estate commissions
Who pays real estate commission in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, sellers usually pay the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The agents are paid from the sale proceeds at closing. Learn more about how real estate commission works in New Hampshire.
Can you negotiate realtor fees in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can always try to negotiate with your agent for a lower commission. Keep in mind, your agent has upfront expenses to cover like paying for the marketing of your home. If your property requires a lot of effort and resources to sell, your realtor may be reluctant to reduce their fees. Learn more about how you can save on real estate commission in New Hampshire.
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 three agents across New Hampshire.
Sources
- Redfin – New Hampshire Housing Market
- Clever Real Estate Commission Survey Data
- Internal Revenue Service
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
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