By Rellia editorial team — The Rellia editorial team prepares source-linked educational pages for Long Island sellers.

Published 2026-09-06 · Updated 2026-09-06

What is a typical real estate commission on Long Island?

Quick answer

There is no legally required or standard real estate commission rate on Long Island, because commission is negotiated in the agreements for each sale. The figure sellers often still hear is a historical combined listing-side and buyer-agent range of about 5% to 6% of the sale price. That range is historical context only. It is not a required amount, a current Long Island average, or a quote. Traditionally, that combined percentage was often paid from the seller's side at closing out of sale proceeds, alongside other closing items, not as a separate check buyers wrote at the table. How costs are allocated today still depends on the agreements for the deal. Compensation is negotiated in those agreements. Rellia's published 2% seller platform fee is a separate charge and is not an all-in transaction cost.

What "commission" usually means after 2024

"Commission" can mean listing-side compensation, buyer-agent compensation, or both. For years, consumer explanations often treated one combined percentage as the whole story, commonly framed as a seller-paid cost settled at closing. That shorthand never created a legal requirement.

Industry practice changes that took effect in 2024 put more weight on a written buyer agreement before touring. That agreement should state services and compensation. Compensation is negotiable. A seller may negotiate whether and how to contribute to buyer-agent compensation, but should not assume a contribution is required or that one combined percentage always applies. The listing agreement, buyer agreement, offer, and contract control.

Worked examples: arithmetic only

Disclaimer: Figures below are illustrations, not estimates or quotes. They do not predict sale price, proceeds, taxes, or what any party will owe. The 5% and 6% columns are historical discussion points only. The Rellia line is the published platform fee. Signed agreements and current government schedules control.

On a $500,000 sale (illustrative)

| Line | Rate shown | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | | Historical combined discussion point | 5% | $25,000 | | Historical combined discussion point | 6% | $30,000 | | Rellia published seller platform fee | 2% | $10,000 |

On a $1,000,000 sale (illustrative)

| Line | Rate shown | Amount | | --- | --- | --- | | Historical combined discussion point | 5% | $50,000 | | Historical combined discussion point | 6% | $60,000 | | Rellia published seller platform fee | 2% | $20,000 |

None of these rows replace buyer-agent compensation, attorney fees, title charges, transfer taxes, or prorations. Those sit on other lines of the file.

How Rellia's 2% fee fits

Rellia publishes a 2% seller platform / technology fee for coordinating the listing file and tools. That fee is not a claim that Rellia is a broker or that it represents the seller. It is not a substitute for attorney work, title, lending, or inspection. A free estimate does not obligate the seller to list. For path comparisons, see the Rellia vs FSBO vs agent guide. To start an estimate, use /sell.

Closing costs are separate

Commission-style compensation is not the same as New York transfer tax, county clerk fees, attorney invoices, or prorations. Sellers should read the Nassau and Suffolk seller closing-cost guides for sourced government lines.

Common questions

Is 5% or 6% required on Long Island?

No. Those percentages appear in historical consumer explanations. They are not a legal requirement and are not a quote for your home.

Does Rellia's 2% fee include buyer-agent compensation?

No. The published 2% seller platform fee is separate. Buyer-agent compensation, if any, is handled in the agreements for that transaction.

Who sets buyer-agent compensation now?

It is negotiated and should appear in the written buyer agreement and related deal documents. Do not assume a default percentage.

Where do transfer taxes and clerk fees show up?

On the closing-cost side of the file, not inside the platform fee. See the Nassau and Suffolk closing-cost guides.

How do I compare paths without guessing?

Use the savings calculator for arithmetic, read the path comparison guide, then run a free estimate on /sell when you are ready.