Published
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 West Virginia realtor fees | How West Virginia agents set rates | How to save on commission in West Virginia | FAQ | Our research
The average total real estate commission in West Virginia is 5.44%. This includes a 2.72% listing agent commission and a 2.72% buyer’s agent commission. In West Virginia, sellers typically cover the real estate commission fees for both agents out of their sale proceeds at closing.
West Virginia sellers pay an average of $7,974 in realtor fees, based on the average West Virginia home price of $146,578.
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 West Virginia. We’ll also explain why West Virginia commissions are what they are (and offer up some tips that could help you save).
West Virginia 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 $146,578.
Average rate | Cost | |
Listing agent commission | 2.72% | $3,987 |
Buyer’s agent commission | 2.72% | $3,987 |
Total realtor fees | 5.44% | $7,974 |
List with the best local agents for just 1.5% (seriously)
Clever Real Estate matches you with vetted local agents who work for just a 1.5% listing fee when you find them through Clever’s free service.
Clever’s partnered with 47 top-producing agents across West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the average total realtor fees come to 5.44%. The seller typically pays this commission out of the home sale’s proceeds. West Virginia’s average commission is slightly higher than the U.S. national average of 5.37%.
Of course, averages don’t paint the whole picture. West Virginia commission rates vary widely from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. In the state capital of Charleston, where home values are higher than the state average, agents probably charge lower commission than in slower markets like Fairmont or Milton.
The best way to learn about the average commission in your area is to talk to a variety of local agents.
Commission rates also frequently go up or down based on fluctuations in the market. Good news for sellers: in West Virginia, commission rates are trending downwards, as they averaged 5.50% in 2021.
This drop in commission is likely due to West Virginia’s hot statewide real estate market, where home values rose 8% year over year. Commissions tend to fall in hot markets since agents are competing with each other for sales. Often, they’re more open to reducing their commission because they know they can quickly move on to their next deal.
How real West Virginia agents and brokers set commission rates
Agents we talked to almost always signaled that their commission rates are flexible.
Calculating real estate commission comes down to a very common-sense formula. In general, if you have a desirable home in a hot market that’ll probably sell after the first open house, an agent will probably be open to cutting you a discount on commission since they won’t spend a lot of time on your sale.
On the other hand, if you have a unique or outdated home in a slower market, an agent knows they’ll have to put in a lot of time getting the home ready and finding the right buyer. They’ll probably ask for a higher commission.
Agents also make less money than many people realize. The typical real estate commission is split four ways between the listing agent, the listing agent broker, the buyer’s agent, and the buyer’s agent broker.
Your listing agent isn’t actually making 5.44% off your West Virginia home sale. In the end, they’re only pocketing a quarter of that.
Agents have to cover a lot of upfront and overhead costs out of their commissions. They need to make enough to cover all of these fees:
- Taxes: Real estate agents must pay a self-employment tax of 15.3% on all commission earned
- Association and MLS fees: $767.50–1,205 annually
- State license fees: $75 annually
- 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 West Virginia?
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
You won’t get a commission discount just by asking — you have to give your agent a reason to cut you a deal. Here are some tips on negotiating a commission discount like a pro.
Ways to negotiate lower realtor fees
- Make your home more sellable. Agents base their commission rate partly on how much time it’ll take to sell your home. Maxing out your home’s appeal by doing pre-listing repairs and renovations can significantly shorten your sale timeline.
- Use fewer agent services. If you know you won’t need some of the standard services your agent offers — for example, pre-listing home staging, or guidance through closing — less commission for fewer services is a very persuasive proposal.
- Leverage the market. If you’re in a hot seller’s market, you have a lot of leverage, and agents know it. If you’re selling a desirable property, and they refuse to cut you a discount, they know there are a lot of other agents out there who will.
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 West Virginia, so you don’t have to. Find a West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia.
Other FAQs about West Virginia real estate commissions
Who pays realtor fees in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, the seller pays all realtor fees out of the proceeds from their home sale. This includes the buyer’s agent commission. Learn more about how real estate commission in West Virginia works.
How are real estate agents paid in West Virginia?
Real estate agents in West Virginia are paid by commission, which is a percentage of the final sale price. In West Virginia, commission averages 5.44%, though listing agents generally only pocket a quarter of that. See how real estate commission is split in West Virginia.
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 13 agents across West Virginia.
Sources
- Zillow – West Virginia Home Prices and Home Values
- Clever Real Estate Commission Survey Data
- Internal Revenue Service
- Blue Ridge Association of Realtors
- West Virginia Real Estate Commission
Leave a Reply