What Newport Beach Homeowners Need to Know About Real Estate Commissions (2025)

How much should you expect to pay in real estate commissions when selling your Newport Beach home in 2025?It’s one of the first questions many homeowners ask—and it’s an important one. Understanding commissions helps you make informed decisions and ensures you’re getting the most value from your real estate agent.

As a trusted Orange County Realtor, Monica Carr and The Monica Carr Real Estate Group are here to walk you through what commissions look like today, what’s changing, and how they impact your bottom line when selling your home.

What Are Real Estate Commissions?

Real estate commissions are the fees paid to real estate agents for their services in helping you sell your home. In California, these commissions are negotiable and typically structured as a percentage of the final sale price. The commission is usually split between the seller’s agent (the listing agent) and the buyer’s agent.

The Typical Commission Structure in 2025

While commissions can vary, most homes sold in Orange County fall within the 5–6% range of the final sales price. Here’s how it often works:

• Listing Agent Commission: Paid to the Realtor representing the seller.

• Buyer’s Agent Commission: Paid to the Realtor representing the buyer.

In practice, the seller pays the full commission at closing, which is then split between both agents.

Are Commissions Negotiable?

Yes, commissions are always negotiable. California law and the National Association of REALTORS® prohibit any fixed or mandated commission rate. The amount you agree to pay depends on your agreement with your listing agent.

That means you should always have an open discussion with your agent about:

• What services are included in the fee

• How your home will be marketed

• How commission splits may be offered to buyer’s agents

What Services Do You Get for a Commission Fee?

When working with an experienced Newport Beach or Irvine Realtor like Monica Carr, your commission covers far more than just a listing on the MLS. It typically includes:

• Professional photography and video tours

• Customized digital and print marketing

• Staging consultation

• Buyer outreach and private showings

• Offer negotiation and closing guidance

This investment ensures your property is positioned competitively in the Orange County market.

Recent Changes in the Industry

In recent years, lawsuits and settlements have led to changes in how commissions are discussed and disclosed. Sellers should expect:

• Greater transparency in listing agreements

• Clearer options for how much to offer buyer’s agents

• Full visibility into what their Realtor is providing in exchange for their fee

These changes are designed to make the process more transparent for both buyers and sellers.

How Do Commissions Impact Your Bottom Line?

On a million-dollar Newport Beach home, a 5% commission equals $50,000. While that may sound significant, the right Realtor can help you maximize your sale price through marketing, staging, and negotiation—often netting you more than you would save by cutting commissions.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor

When interviewing agents, ask:

• What’s your commission rate and is it negotiable?

• What marketing and services are included?

• How do you handle buyer’s agent commissions?

• Can you provide examples of recent sales and results?

Why Work With Monica Carr

The Monica Carr Real Estate Group has extensive experience helping homeowners in Newport Beach, Irvine, and across Orange County. With a proven track record, Monica Carr provides:

• A customized commission plan based on your goals

• Maximum exposure for your home to qualified buyers

• Skilled negotiation to protect your equity

• Full compliance with California real estate laws and professional ethics

Final Thoughts

Real estate commissions are an essential part of the selling process. They ensure you have professional representation, effective marketing, and negotiation power throughout your sale. The key is transparency and value. When you work with Monica Carr, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for—and how it benefits you.

If you’re considering selling your home in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County in 2025, connect with The Monica Carr Real Estate Group today to learn more about commission options and how to maximize your sale.