How Realtor Commissions Work When Selling a Home in RI
How do Realtor commissions actually work when selling a home in Rhode Island — and what’s changed recently?
If you’re thinking about selling a home in Warwick, East Greenwich, Cranston, Coventry, North Kingstown, Providence, or anywhere in Central Rhode Island, you’ve probably seen headlines claiming “commissions are going away” or “everything is negotiable now.” That’s… partially true — and partially very misleading.
Let’s clear the fog.
This guide explains how Realtor compensation works in Rhode Island, what sellers are legally required (and not required) to do, how recent changes affect your net proceeds, and how experienced local REALTORS® help sellers navigate this without surprises.
What Is a Realtor Commission (Now Called a Professional Service Fee)?
When you sell a home in Rhode Island, you’re hiring licensed real estate professionals to provide services such as:
Pricing strategy based on real market data
Marketing and exposure (MLS, online platforms, buyer networks)
Negotiation of offers and terms
Managing deadlines, disclosures, and compliance
Guiding the transaction from list to closing
Instead of using the word “commission,” the industry now more accurately refers to this as a professional service fee — compensation for services rendered, not a preset or fixed percentage.
Important:
There is no standard or required fee in Rhode Island. All professional service fees are fully negotiable and agreed upon in writing before you list.
How Realtor Compensation Has Traditionally Worked in RI
Historically, most Rhode Island home sellers agreed to:
A listing-side professional service fee for their listing agent
An offer of compensation that may be requested by a buyer’s agent
Those two components were often combined into one overall structure — but they were never legally fixed, and they’ve always been negotiable.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, approximately 90% of sellers still choose to work with a real estate agent, largely because of pricing guidance, marketing reach, and negotiation expertise.
What Changed After the NAR Settlement (And What Didn’t)
Recent industry changes created confusion — so here’s the straight talk.
What DID change
Buyer agent compensation is no longer displayed in the MLS
Buyers now must have clear agreements outlining how their representation is compensated
Transparency and disclosure requirements increased
What DID NOT change
Sellers are not required to pay a buyer’s agent
Sellers can still offer compensation if they choose
Professional service fees are still negotiable
Experienced listing agents still help sellers structure offers strategically
In other words: you now have more flexibility, not fewer options.
Do Sellers Still Pay the Buyer’s Agent in Rhode Island?
Sometimes — but only if it makes strategic sense.
Here’s how it usually plays out in today’s Rhode Island real estate market:
A buyer may pay their agent directly
A buyer may request compensation as part of their offer
A seller may agree, counter, or decline that request
Everything is negotiated offer by offer
This is where working with a knowledgeable Warwick Realtor or Rhode Island real estate agent matters. The structure you choose can directly impact:
Buyer demand
Strength of offers
Net proceeds
Appraisal and financing outcomes
Why Offering Buyer Agent Compensation Can Still Matter
In markets like Warwick, East Greenwich, and Cranston — where buyer competition fluctuates — strategic compensation can:
Increase the number of qualified buyers
Improve offer terms (price, contingencies, timelines)
Reduce days on market
Strengthen appraisal alignment
According to the RI Statewide MLS, homes priced and positioned correctly are still selling close to 100% of list price, but buyer leverage varies by neighborhood and price point.
This is not about “paying more.”
It’s about positioning your home to sell for the most, with the least friction.
Is 5% or 6% Still the “Standard” Commission in RI?
No — and it never legally was.
There is no standard commission in Rhode Island. Anyone telling you otherwise is oversimplifying (or misinformed).
What does matter is:
The level of service provided
The experience of the agent or team
The marketing strategy
The negotiation skill protecting your bottom line
A discount fee with weak strategy can cost far more than it saves.
How the Slocum Home Team Approaches Professional Service Fees
Nick Slocum or one of the Slocum Home Team’s top agents approaches every listing with:
Transparent, upfront conversations
Clear explanations of options (not pressure)
Customized strategies based on your home and goals
No hidden fees or surprises
As a Rhode Island-based team with deep roots in Warwick, Kent County, and beyond, the focus is always on net results, not just percentages.
What Sellers Should Ask Before Choosing a Realtor
Before signing a listing agreement, ask:
What services are included in your professional service fee?
How do you recommend handling buyer agent compensation — and why?
How does your strategy change based on market conditions?
How do you protect my net proceeds during negotiations?
What happens if market conditions shift while we’re listed?
A great REALTOR® welcomes these questions.
The Bottom Line for Rhode Island Home Sellers
Realtor commissions didn’t disappear — they evolved.
Today’s sellers have:
More transparency
More flexibility
More control over how their sale is structured
But with that flexibility comes the need for expert guidance.
If you’re thinking about SELLING A HOME IN RHODE ISLAND, the smartest first move is a conversation — not assumptions based on headlines.
Thinking About Selling? Let’s Talk Strategy First
If you’re considering selling in Warwick, East Greenwich, Cranston, Coventry, North Kingstown, Providence, or anywhere in Central Rhode Island, connect with Nick Slocum or one of the Slocum Home Team’s top agents to understand your options — clearly, honestly, and without pressure.
