Short answer: There's no set commission in Houston or anywhere else. Every fee is negotiable. A 2026 national agent survey found the average total commission in Texas is about 5.6%: roughly 2.75% for the listing agent and 2.9% for the buyer's agent. Since 2024, sellers decide separately whether to offer anything toward the buyer's agent.

Average commission rates in 2026

	Texas	U.S.
Listing agent	2.75%	2.76%
Buyer's agent	2.87%	2.70%
Total	5.61%	5.46%

Source: Clever Real Estate agent survey, August 2026. These are averages, not standard rates.

What changed in 2024

After a national settlement involving the National Association of REALTORS^®, new rules took effect in August 2024:

• Offers of compensation to buyer's agents can no longer be posted on the MLS.
• Buyers must sign a written agreement with their agent that states how much the agent will be paid.
• Sellers can still choose to pay the buyer's agent, offer a credit, or decline.

For sellers, this means you have more control and more decisions to make.

Should you offer to pay the buyer's agent?

You don't have to, but consider:

• More buyers can afford your home. Many first-time buyers don't have extra cash to pay their agent on top of a down payment and closing costs.
• Your competition may be offering it. In a balanced market, homes that help with buyer costs can stand out. Builders in Pearland, Manvel and Sugar Land commonly pay buyer agents.
• You can decide case by case. Some sellers handle it in negotiations instead of offering it up front.

Your listing agent should walk you through the pros and cons for your home and price range.

What does commission look like in dollars?

• $300,000 home at 5.5% total: $16,500
• $400,000 home at 5.5% total: $22,000
• $500,000 home at 5.5% total: $27,500

See all seller costs in how much it costs to sell a $400K home in Houston.

What your listing agent's fee should cover

• A detailed pricing analysis based on recent sales
• Professional photos, and often video or a 3D tour
• Listing on HAR's MLS, which feeds HAR.com, Zillow, Realtor.com and other sites
• Marketing, showings and open houses
• Negotiating offers, repairs and terms
• Managing the contract, title company and deadlines through closing

Tips for negotiating commission

1. Ask exactly what services are included.
2. Compare 2–3 agents, but don't choose on fee alone. A skilled agent who prices and negotiates well can net you more.
3. Ask how they handle buyer agent compensation.
4. Get everything in writing in your listing agreement.

Read how to choose the right listing agent in Houston.

Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. This article is general information, not legal advice.