How This Real Estate Commission Calculator Works
This tool gives you a quick estimate of what you might pay in agent fees when you sell your home.
Just enter your expected sale price, adjust the commission percentages, and select whether you’ll cover the buyer’s agent commission. Your results update instantly, so you can compare different scenarios.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Agent commissions are usually paid out of the sale proceeds at closing; you’re not expected to pay Realtor fees upfront.
- Most sellers still cover the buyer’s agent commission, but it’s no longer automatically expected following a landmark court settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
- You can change the commission percentages on the calculator to reflect what you negotiate with your agent.
Use this calculator as a starting point to understand your costs, then talk to a top local agent about your options. If you’re not sure what home sale price to enter, try our Home Value Estimator tool.
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What’s a Typical Real Estate Commission?
In most residential real estate transactions, the total agent commission is between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price, split between the seller’s listing agent and the buyer’s agent and their brokers.
For example, on a $400,000 home sale:
- A 5.5% total commission = $22,000
- Typically, $11,000 goes to the listing agent and $11,000 to the buyer’s agent
The money each agent receives is usually split again with their real estate brokerage company, often called a real estate firm or agency.
These numbers aren’t set in stone. Commissions are 100% negotiable, and actual rates can vary by market, brokerage, or the level of service provided. Our calculator lets you adjust both sides of the commission to get a ballpark estimate of what you’ll pay.
Calculate Agent Commissions in Your Area
Use HomeLight’s location-specific Agent Commissions Calculator to see a more exact estimate of Realtor fees based on actual transaction data in your city. Learn how the average real estate agent commission in your market has changed over time and see other tools to help plan your home sale.
You can also get a snapshot of what your profits will be at closing with our Net Proceeds Calculator.
Are Sellers Required to Pay the Buyer’s Agent?
Technically, no — but in practice, most still do.
Since agent commission rule changes went into effect in August 2024, home sellers are no longer expected to offer payment to a buyer’s agent in order to list on most multiple listing services (MLS). This default requirement was removed as part of a major legal settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and it gave sellers more flexibility over how agent fees are handled.
However, according to a recent nationwide HomeLight survey, 92% of top agents say sellers in their market are still covering the buyer’s agent commission.
Here’s why:
- Most buyers work with agents. If the agent won’t be compensated by you, some buyers may skip your home entirely or ask for a seller-paid credit to cover the fee.
- The market is slower. High mortgage rates and home prices have stretched buyers thin. Offering to pay buyer’s agent fees — or to give other concessions — helps keep your listing competitive.
- It’s still a common expectation. While the rules changed, the structure of many deals hasn’t, especially in markets where competition among sellers is high.
Bottom line: You have a choice, but skipping the buyer’s agent commission could reduce interest and leave your home sitting on the market without offers.
Can You Negotiate the Commission Rate?
Yes, real estate commissions are always negotiable. This was true before the NAR settlement, and it remains true today. Here are a few ways you can negotiate commission:
- Lower the total rate: Some agents may agree to a reduced commission, particularly for higher-value homes or strong seller’s markets.
- Change the split: You can propose a different breakdown between listing and buyer’s agents, or only pay your agent and ask the buyer to cover their side.
- Use a tiered model: For example, you might offer 5.5% if the home sells at or above your asking price, and 5% if it sells below.
- Flat-fee or limited service: If you’re confident in handling parts of the sale yourself, some brokerages offer discounts, a flat rate, or à la carte pricing.
That said, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value. A skilled agent who charges more may help you walk away with more in your pocket by pricing the home right and attracting stronger offers. Sellers often net more when a skilled agent creates the conditions for a bidding war.
Will Paying Commission Hurt Your Bottom Line?
It’s easy to focus on the commission you pay, but what really matters is what you keep after the sale.
While it’s true that agent fees are a significant expense, working with the right full-service agent can help you sell your home for a higher price, attract more serious buyers, and avoid costly mistakes during the transaction. That’s especially important in today’s market, where buyers are more cautious and deals can fall apart without expert guidance.
In fact, HomeLight’s internal data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents. Even after paying commission, you may still come out ahead when you work with a top performer who knows how to position your home for the best outcome.
Thinking about selling FSBO? If you’re considering taking the for-sale-by-owner route, you may be surprised to learn that most FSBO homes sell for significantly less money than an agent-assisted sale. According to data from NAR, FSBO homes sell for a median of $380,000 compared to a median selling price of all homes, which is $435,000.
Connect With a Top Local Agent
If you’re still figuring out what commission structure makes the most sense for your home sale, it helps to talk to an expert. HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses transaction data and client reviews to match you with top-performing agents in your area.
Whether you’re leaning toward a full-service listing, a lower commission arrangement, or just want to understand your options better, HomeLight can help you find the right trusted agent for your needs.
If you’re buying and selling a house at the same time, check out HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern solution unlocks your equity to streamline the process. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more.