Real Estate Commission for District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia (DC) Key Facts
Average Commission Rate
5%
Commission on Median Home
$32,000
Is Negotiable
Yes
Median Home Price
$640,000
Typical Split
50/50 between listing and buyer agents
How This Calculator Works in District of Columbia
This commission calculator estimates the total real estate agent fees on a District of Columbia home sale based on the sale price and commission percentage. It shows the dollar amount of the total commission and how it splits between agents. Use it to understand how much you will pay when selling a home in District of Columbia and to compare different commission scenarios.
District of Columbia Overview
The average real estate commission in District of Columbia is 5%, totaling approximately $32,000 on the median home price of $640,000. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, commission structures have become more transparent, with buyers negotiating their agent's compensation separately. All commissions in District of Columbia are negotiable—there is no legally mandated rate.
How District of Columbia Compares
District of Columbia's average commission of 5% is in line with the national average of about 5-6%. Neighboring Maryland averages 5.3% and Virginia averages 5.3%. Commission rates tend to be slightly lower in expensive markets where the dollar amounts are already high, and slightly higher in more affordable markets.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 5.3% | Average commission is 5.3%, which comes to $21,200 on the median home price of $400,000. |
| Virginia | 5.3% | Average commission is 5.3%, which comes to $20,140 on the median home price of $380,000. |
| Pennsylvania | 5.3% | Average commission is 5.3%, which comes to $14,575 on the median home price of $275,000. |
The average real estate commission in District of Columbia is 5%, in line with the national average of approximately 5-6%. On the median-priced home of $640,000, this amounts to $32,000 in total commission, typically split between the listing and buyer's agents.
Tips for District of Columbia Residents
- 1The average total real estate commission in District of Columbia is 5%, which amounts to $32,000 on the median home of $640,000. This is typically the seller's single largest transaction cost.
- 2Real estate commissions in District of Columbia are always negotiable—there is no legal minimum or maximum rate. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers now negotiate their agent's fee separately, increasing transparency for all parties.
- 3Since the 2024 NAR settlement, sellers in District of Columbia are no longer required to offer buyer-agent compensation through the MLS. Buyers should discuss agent compensation upfront and consider signing a buyer-broker agreement that clearly states the fee structure.
- 4Discount and flat-fee brokerages are available in District of Columbia and may charge 1-2% instead of the traditional listing fee. Weigh the savings against the marketing, negotiation, and support services a full-service agent provides.
- 5When calculating net proceeds from selling in District of Columbia, subtract the commission ($32,000), closing costs (2-4% of sale price), and your remaining mortgage balance. This gives you a realistic picture of your take-home amount.