When it comes to real estate, a realtor’s pay is highly dependent on location, housing prices, and the local market.
Generally, realtors get paid the most in areas with high property values and active markets, because commissions are a percentage of the sale price. Here’s a clear breakdown:
| Location Type | Why Realtors Earn More | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury urban markets | High-value homes = higher commissions per sale | New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami |
| Fast-growing metro areas | High transaction volume, multiple deals | Austin, Dallas, Seattle, Denver |
| Resort & vacation hotspots | Expensive vacation homes | Aspen, Malibu, The Hamptons, Lake Tahoe |
| International high-end markets | Ultra-luxury properties, international buyers | London, Dubai, Monaco, Hong Kong |
💡 Key point: A realtor in NYC or San Francisco might make $50,000–$100,000 per transaction on a luxury property, while a realtor in a smaller town might make only a few thousand per sale.
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