Seller guide
How a 1% listing fee works in Orange County
What the listing-side fee pays for, what it doesn’t include, and how to compare it fairly.
By Joshua Heraldez, CA DRE #02088175 · Published and last reviewed
The short version
A 1% listing fee means the fee paid to the listing agent for representing you as the seller is 1% of the final sale price. On an example $1,000,000 sale, that is $10,000. It does not include any compensation you decide to offer a buyer’s agent, and it does not cover normal closing costs such as escrow, title, and transfer tax.
1% applies to the listing-side fee. Any seller-paid buyer-agent compensation and other closing costs are additional. Commissions are negotiable. Comparison fees are illustrative.
What the listing-side fee covers
With Joshua, the proposed listing service includes:
- Pricing strategy based on comparable sales and your goals.
- Professional photography and listing preparation guidance.
- MLS listing and property marketing.
- Showing coordination and buyer communication.
- Offer review and negotiation.
- Transaction coordination through closing.
Staging, repairs, and video production are not included unless you agree to them in writing. Always read the listing agreement—it is the document that defines the fee and services.
Buyer-agent compensation is a separate decision
Since August 17, 2024, following the National Association of REALTORS® settlement, offers of compensation to buyer agents are no longer communicated through the MLS, and buyers working with an agent sign a written agreement with that agent before touring homes (source: NAR, “The Facts”). Sellers can still choose to offer compensation or concessions, and a buyer can ask for it in an offer. Whether you offer it, and how much, is negotiable and is not part of the 1%.
Comparing listing fees fairly
Compare fees at the same sale price, and compare what’s included. The calculator below shows the listing-fee difference only—it isn’t a home value and doesn’t predict your net proceeds.
Listing-fee savings
What could a lower listing fee mean for you?
This compares fees only. It is not a home valuation.
Slider covers $400,000–$3,000,000. Type any amount in the field.
Estimated listing-fee difference
$15,000
- Comparison fee at 2.5%
- $25,000
- Listing fee at 1%
- $10,000
This compares listing fees at the same sale price. It excludes buyer-agent compensation, closing costs, concessions, and differences in sale outcomes. All commissions are negotiable.
1% applies to the listing-side fee. Any seller-paid buyer-agent compensation and other closing costs are additional. Commissions are negotiable. Comparison fees are illustrative.
Common questions
- Is the 1% fee negotiable?
- All real estate commissions are negotiable. The 1% listing-side fee is the proposed fee for this service; the final terms are what you and the agent agree to in writing.
- Is there a minimum fee?
- Any minimum fee, eligibility requirement, or exclusion would be stated in writing before you sign. Ask Joshua to confirm the terms for your property.
- Does a lower fee mean less marketing?
- Not with this service: professional photography, MLS listing and property marketing, showings, negotiation, and transaction coordination are all part of the proposed package.
Start with your home’s value.
A request for an agent-prepared value range, reviewed by Joshua—not an instant estimate.