Costs & Fees
How Much Are Realtor Fees in Ohio?
A clear breakdown of how realtor fees work in Ohio — who pays, how commission is negotiated, and what recent changes mean for buyers and sellers.
How realtor fees work in Ohio
Real estate commissions in Ohio are not set by law — they are always negotiable. The total commission on a sale is agreed in your listing agreement, then typically split between the listing brokerage and the buyer's brokerage.
Who pays the commission?
Traditionally the seller paid the full commission out of the sale proceeds at closing. Following the 2024 changes to how commissions are handled nationwide, buyer-agent compensation is now negotiated more openly and may be paid by the seller, the buyer, or split — it depends on the deal. The key takeaway: everything is on the table and should be discussed up front.
What you actually get for the fee
A full-service agent earns the fee by handling pricing, professional marketing, showings, negotiation, inspection and appraisal management, contract and disclosure compliance, and coordination through closing. On the buyer side, that's neighborhood expertise, offer strategy, and someone in your corner when problems appear.
Lower-fee and flat-fee options
Discount and flat-fee models exist. They can save money on paper, but you usually trade away marketing reach, negotiation, and hands-on support. For most Ohio sellers, the difference a strong agent makes in final sale price more than covers the fee.
The bottom line
Ask any agent to explain their fee, what's included, and how buyer-agent compensation will be handled in your transaction — before you sign. A good agent will welcome the conversation.
Frequently asked
Are realtor fees negotiable in Ohio?
Yes. Commission rates are always negotiable in Ohio and are agreed in your listing agreement. There is no state-mandated rate.
Who pays the buyer's agent in Ohio now?
Since the 2024 commission changes, buyer-agent compensation is negotiated openly and may be paid by the seller, the buyer, or shared. Your agent should explain exactly how it will work in your specific transaction.
Talk to a local expert
Jeff Dulmage and the LV5 Real Estate Team have helped 1,000+ families across West Central Ohio. Get straight answers for your situation — no pressure.