There is no standard realtor fee in St. Louis. Commissions are not set by law or by any association; each seller and agent agree on the fee, and buyers and their agents agree on compensation in a written buyer agreement. Compare what each agent includes for the fee, then negotiate the arrangement that fits your goals.
No fixed rate
You may hear that a certain percentage is "normal." It is not a rule. Real estate commissions are negotiable between you and your agent. Anyone who tells you otherwise is giving you an opinion, not a requirement.
How it works for sellers
When you list, you sign a listing agreement with your agent's brokerage. It states the fee, how long the agreement lasts and what happens if the home does not sell. Sellers may also decide whether to offer compensation to a buyer's agent or a credit to the buyer. That is your choice, guided by your agent and your goals.
How it works for buyers
Since August 2024, agents working with buyers sign a written agreement with the buyer before touring homes. The agreement says how the buyer's agent will be paid, which can come from the buyer, from the seller as part of the deal, or a mix. Offers of compensation are no longer posted on the MLS.
What a fee should include
Compare services, not just numbers. For sellers, ask about: - Pricing analysis with local sales - A prep plan and vendor coordination - Professional photos and marketing - Negotiation and repair-request management - Contract to closing coordination
For buyers, ask about lender coordination, search strategy, offer writing and inspection negotiation.
Think in net proceeds
The fee is one line on a seller's net sheet. Price, condition, days on market, repair credits and timing usually move your bottom line more. A good plan can net you more even when the fee is the same. See the full list of costs on the cost to sell in St. Louis, or try the net sheet calculator.
Questions to ask about fees
- What exactly is included?
- Are there any other charges (administrative or transaction fees)?
- How long is the agreement and how can I cancel?
- How is the buyer's agent being paid in my situation?
My approach
I show you a written net sheet with every cost before you decide anything, so the fee is never a surprise. Request your Clear Path Plan.
A simple way to compare agents
Ask each agent for the same three things: 1. Their fee and exactly what it includes 2. A written plan with dates 3. A net sheet at the same sale price
Then compare what you would take home and what you would get for it. The agent with the clearest plan and the best expected net is often the better value, even if the fee is the same or higher.
Questions buyers should ask about compensation
- How will you be paid, and by whom?
- What happens if a seller offers compensation or a credit?
- Can we adjust the agreement for a specific home?
Common myths
- "There is a standard rate." There is not; fees are negotiable.
- "The seller always pays both agents." It depends on the agreements and the deal.
- "A lower fee always nets more." Strategy, pricing and negotiation often matter more.
Related guides
See what a listing agent does and what a buyer's agent does.
A St. Louis example, with round numbers
Here is how a seller can think about fees inside the full picture. Say two agents both suggest listing a South County home near the St. Louis City and County median of $340,000 (St. Louis REALTORS, September 2026).
- Agent A quotes a lower fee but has no written plan, no prep budget and no marketing schedule.
- Agent B quotes a different fee, but shows a prep list, a launch week plan, weekly reporting and a net sheet.
If Agent B's plan helps the home sell in fewer days with fewer repair concessions, the seller may net more even though the fee line is not the smallest. If it does not, Agent A may be the better fit. The point is to compare the whole net sheet, not one line of it.
What else shows up on a seller's settlement statement
Your fee is one line among several. Others typically include your mortgage payoff, title and settlement charges agreed in the contract, prorated property taxes, any HOA transfer or resale certificate fees, city inspection fees, and any credits you agree to give the buyer. Missouri does not have a state real estate transfer tax. See the full cost to sell in St. Louis.
How buyer agent compensation works now
Since August 2024, offers of compensation to buyer agents are not posted on the MLS. Buyers and their agents agree on compensation in a written buyer agreement before touring. A seller may still agree, in the purchase contract, to pay part of the buyer's costs or the buyer agent's compensation. Every part of it is negotiable and should be in writing.
Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard realtor commission in Missouri?
No. Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law or by any association.
Who pays the buyer's agent in St. Louis?
It depends on the written buyer agreement and the deal. The buyer, the seller or both may pay, as agreed in writing.
Can I negotiate a realtor's fee?
Yes. Discuss the fee and the services included before you sign any agreement.
Does a lower fee mean I net more?
Not always. Price, condition, timing and negotiation often have a bigger effect on what you take home.
About the author: Stephanie Muhlenfeld, PMP, REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Stephanie helps buyers and sellers across St. Louis City and St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson and Franklin Counties move with a plan, not pressure. (314) 597-7494.
LPT Realty (417) 813-1762