Real Estate Commission Calculator — Cary, NC
Median home price in Cary: $480,000 · Typical commission: 5% · Updated 2025
Total Commission
$24,000
Listing Agent Gets
$8,400
Buyer's Agent Gets
$8,400
Seller's Net
$456,000
Real Estate Commission Rates in Cary, North Carolina
The typical total real estate commission in Cary is 5% of the sale price, based on current market data for North Carolina. On the median Cary home price of $480,000, that works out to $24,000 in total agent fees.
Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation is now negotiated separately in North Carolina. Most transactions still split the commission 50/50 between listing and buyer agents, but this is no longer required. Sellers in Cary have more flexibility than ever to offer lower buyer concessions.
How Commission Splits Work in Cary
- Listing agent typically receives $12,000 (2.5% of sale price)
- Buyer's agent typically receives $12,000 (if seller offers full split)
- Agent keeps ~70% after broker split: ~$8,400 per side
- Seller nets approximately $456,000 on a $480,000 sale
Tips for Negotiating Commission in Cary
- List at a higher price point — agents on $600,000+ homes often accept 2–2.5% listing side
- Compare multiple agents — commission rates in North Carolina vary by 0.5–1% between agents
- Use a flat-fee MLS service — pay $300–$500 for MLS listing, offer buyer agent 2.5%
- Ask about a reduced rate on a simultaneous buy/sell — agents may discount if you're both buying and selling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average real estate commission in Cary, NC?
The average total commission in Cary is approximately 5%, slightly at or above the national average of 5.0–5.4% following the NAR settlement.
How much does a real estate agent make on a home sale in Cary?
On the median Cary home price of $480,000, a listing agent earns roughly $12,000 before broker split. After a typical 70/30 agent-broker split, the agent takes home approximately $8,400.
Do sellers have to pay the buyer's agent in Cary?
No. Since August 2024, sellers in North Carolina are no longer required to offer buyer agent compensation through the MLS. Many still do to attract buyers, but it's now fully negotiable.