Average Realtor Fees in Utah | 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 Utah realtor fees | How Utah agents set rates | How to save on commission in Utah | FAQ | Our research

The average total real estate commission in Utah is 5.36%. This includes a 2.68% listing agent commission and a 2.68% buyer’s agent commission. In Utah, sellers typically cover the real estate commission fees for both agents out of their sale proceeds at closing. 

On the average Utah home price of $495,920, you’d pay $26,581 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 Utah. We’ll also explain why Utah commissions are what they are (and offer up some tips that could help you save). 

Utah realtor fees: How much will you pay?

Here’s what you can expect to pay in realtor commission based on the average home price of $495,920.

	Average rate	Cost
Listing agent commission	2.68%	$13,291
Buyer’s agent commission	2.68%	$13,291
Total realtor fees	5.36%	$26,581

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How much are realtor fees in Utah?

In Utah, the average real estate commission is 5.36%. That’s nearly the same as the national average commission of 5.37%.

Putting these percentages into a real-life example, it works out to an average commission of $26,581 based on the average home value of $495,920. This commission is typically paid by the seller out of the proceeds from their home sale.

Commission in Utah is trending upwards. In 2021, Utah’s average commission was 5.20%. This rise is likely because the Utah real estate market is slowing down. Sales in hot Salt Lake County recently hit a ten-year low. In a cooling market, agents may be less likely to lower their commission since there are fewer sales for them to close. 

Even though Utah has an average commission rate, there isn’t a set standard for commission. Theoretically, agents can charge as much or as little as they want. Rates are always negotiable, though the success of your negotiation will depend on local market conditions as well as the property you’re selling.

Talking to local agents is always the best way to get a sense of your typical local real estate commission. 

How real Utah agents and brokers set commission rates

Real estate commission rates can vary depending on the agent, city, or even neighborhood. 

Agents set their commission rates based on how much time and labor they think your listing will require. Suppose you’re in a hot market, selling a property that will get multiple offers after your first open house. In that case, your agent will probably be open to negotiating a lower commission.

On the other hand, if you’re in a slow market and have a unique home that will take a while to find a buyer, your agent will be less likely to lower their commission. They’re going to need to put a lot of hours into your listing. 

Also, consider how real estate commission is shared. Your agent won’t get the full commission. Typically, real estate commission is actually split between four different parties:

1. The listing agent
2. The listing agent’s broker
3. The buyer’s agent
4. The buyer’s agent’s broker

Using the average real estate commission of 5.36%, your listing agent will likely pocket around 1.34%.

But that 1.34% isn’t pure profit. Your agent will likely use it to pay for various overhead expenses such as:

• Taxes: Realtors are considered self-employed by the IRS, and are responsible for paying taxes on their commissions.
• Association dues: $40–1,470 monthly
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS) fees: $45–200 monthly
• State license fees: $105 annually
• Administrative and support staff: Transaction coordinators, accountants, office managers, assistants, etc.
• Marketing: Digital advertising, professional marketing materials, pre-listing home staging and prep, hosting open houses, etc.

All of these factors and costs go into what your realtor will charge for commission.

How can I pay less on realtor fees in Utah?

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

If you want a commission discount, the first step is to ask your agent for one. We interviewed more than 20 agents nationwide, and they all said their commission rates were somewhat flexible. 

Of course, getting a lower commission isn’t as easy as just asking for it. The key to negotiating a lower realtor commission is to show your agent that it’s in both your best interests to give you a discount.

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 Utah, so you don’t have to. Find a Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah.

Other FAQs about Utah real estate commissions

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 6 agents across Utah. 

Sources

• Zillow Home Value Data
• Clever Real Estate Commission Survey Data
• Is Salt Lake City’s real estate market approaching normalcy?, ABC4 Utah
• Tax Tips for Real Estate Agents and Brokers, Intuit TurboTax
• Real Estate Fee Schedule, Utah Division of Real Estate