Real Estate Commission Calculator
Estimate the agent fees and your net proceeds from a home sale.
How Real Estate Commissions Work
When you sell a home, the real estate commission is typically the largest closing cost you will encounter. In the United States, commissions usually range between 5% and 6% of the final sale price, though these rates are always negotiable between the seller and the brokerage.
The Commission Split Explained
The total commission is usually split between two parties: the Listing Agent (who represents the seller) and the Buyer's Agent (who brings the buyer). Our calculator allows you to input a "Split %" to see exactly how much each professional earns. A standard split is 50/50, but this can vary depending on the listing agreement.
If you sell your home for $500,000 with a 6% commission rate:
- Total Commission: $30,000
- Listing Brokerage: $15,000 (at a 50% split)
- Buyer's Brokerage: $15,000 (at a 50% split)
- Your Net (before other costs): $470,000
Who Pays the Commission?
In most traditional real estate transactions, the seller pays the entire commission. The listing agent then shares a portion of that fee with the buyer's agent. However, recent legal settlements and market shifts are making these conversations more transparent, allowing sellers more flexibility in how they offer compensation to buyer representatives.
Factors Affecting Your Net Proceeds
While commission is the biggest chunk, don't forget other closing costs. These include title insurance, transfer taxes, escrow fees, and attorney fees. Using the "Other Closing Costs" field in our calculator helps you get a more accurate picture of the check you will actually receive at the closing table.