Who Pays Realtor Fees in Utah?

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If you’re preparing to sell a house in the Beehive State, you’re probably reviewing recent sale prices in your area and estimating how much you might take home in proceeds. If this is your first home sale — or it’s been a while — you may also be asking: Who pays Realtor fees in Utah?

This is a fair question, and one that’s asked more often since a National Association of Realtors (NAR) court settlement changed how real estate agent commissions are handled. Beginning in August 2024, sellers are no longer automatically expected to pay the buyer’s Realtor fees — a break in a longtime industry practice.

So what does this mean for Utah home sellers today? In this post, we’ll explain who typically pays Realtor fees in Utah, how commissions work in the current housing market, and when covering a buyer’s agent fee may still be a sound financial strategy. You’ll also find a Utah agent commission calculator to help you estimate your potential costs.

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Who pays Realtor fees in Utah?

Following the NAR settlement, some industry experts predicted that buyers would feel pressured to pay their own Realtor fees, moving this expense away from home sellers. However, this fee rerouting hasn’t happened at scale — in Utah or anywhere in the country. According to a recent nationwide HomeLight survey, 92% of top agents report that sellers are still paying their buyer’s agent commission.

If it’s not required, why do most Utah home sellers continue to cover the buyer’s Realtor fees?

  • High interest rates and affordability issues can limit buyer budgets.
  • Offering to pay the buyer’s agent fees can grow your buyer pool.
  • This incentive can help your house sell faster or closer to your list price.

Surveyed agents said the decision to cover the fee often comes down to common-sense marketing. Paying the buyer’s agent commission and offering other concessions is a prudent way to attract more buyers and give the seller more options.

Utah real estate agent commission calculator

As you plan your home sale, try the Utah Real Estate Commission Calculator below. It lets you quickly compare selling scenarios using average statewide commission costs, which, combined, are about 5.71% of your home’s listing price. However, you can adjust the percentages up or down based on the rates you expect to negotiate.

With a quick toggle, you can compare the costs of paying both agent commissions versus covering only your listing agent fees.

Are Utah sellers required to pay the buyer’s agent?

There is no state law or mandate in Utah that requires a home seller to pay the buyer’s agent compensation. Still, as HomeLight’s survey uncovered, most sellers choose to offer this incentive because it can increase buyer interest and potentially attract more offers.

While at first glance, refusing to pay your buyer’s Realtor fees in Utah may seem like a money-saving strategy, it could ultimately:

  • Reduce your home’s visibility to buyers
  • Limit your showings and offers
  • Increase your days on market (DOM)

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