Average Real Estate Fees: Real Costs, Fees, and Net‑Proceeds Breakdown
May 13 2026
If you list a $350,000 home with a traditional agent, the commission alone can shave $21,000 off your profit. By breaking every fee into line items, you can see exactly where the money goes and decide whether an AI‑powered platform like Sellable (sellabl.app) saves you enough to list yourself.
Direct answer: What you’ll pay in 2026
- Agent commission: 5 % – 6 % of the sale price (low $10,500, typical $17,500, high $21,000 on a $350k home).
- Listing‑service fees: $0 – $500 flat fee for MLS access or AI platform subscription.
- Closing costs (seller side): 1 % – 2 % of the sale price (low $3,500, typical $5,250, high $7,000).
- Staging & photography: $300 – $2,000 depending on market expectations.
- Escrow/settlement fees: $400 – $800 flat.
Add these up and you can estimate net proceeds before taxes or mortgage payoff.
How the fees split up
| Fee type | Low range* | Typical range* | High range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agent commission (percentage) | 5 % | 5.5 % | 6 % |
| MLS / listing platform | $0 (Sellable free tier) | $250 (Sellable premium) | $500 (traditional MLS) |
| Closing costs (seller side) | 1 % of sale | 1.5 % of sale | 2 % of sale |
| Staging & photography | $300 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Escrow & settlement | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Attorney (optional, state‑required) | $0 | $500 | $1,200 |
| Total on $350,000 home | $15,950 | $25,350 | $34,500 |
*Ranges reflect 2026 market data collected from national broker surveys, state real‑estate boards, and major MLS fee schedules. Local numbers can vary; always verify with your county recorder and chosen service provider.
Quick comparison: Traditional agent vs. Sellable DIY
| Feature | Traditional broker | Sellable (AI lead desk) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 5 % – 6 % of sale | $0 – $500 flat fee |
| MLS access | Included in commission | $0 – $250 add‑on |
| Lead follow‑up | Handled by agent’s staff | Automated AI inbox |
| Marketing bundle | Often bundled, cost hidden | Choose photography, staging, ads a‑la‑carte |
| CRM overhead | Multiple tools, extra fees | One integrated dashboard |
| Typical net‑proceeds on $350k | $329,000 | $340,000 – $348,000 |
You keep the difference by avoiding the commission and paying only the services you need. Sellable’s AI desk routes buyer inquiries instantly, so you never miss a lead while staying out of a bloated CRM.
Step‑by‑step cost calculator (example: $350,000 home)
- Set your listing price – $350,000.
- Choose a platform – Sellable free tier = $0, or premium = $250.
- Add MLS fee – $250 if you need MLS distribution.
- Select optional services – staging $1,200, professional photography $500.
- Estimate closing costs – 1.5 % of sale = $5,250.
- Add escrow/settlement – $600.
- Sum all line items – $7,850 (Sellable) vs. $21,000 commission + $5,250 closing + $800 escrow = $27,050 with a broker.
Your net proceeds:
- Sellable route: $350,000 – $7,850 = $342,150
- Broker route: $350,000 – $27,050 = $322,950
Sources and assumptions
- National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025‑2026 commission survey – provides percentage ranges.
- State real‑estate commission fee tables (2026) – for closing‑cost percentages.
- MLS fee schedules (Multiple Listing Service, 2026) – flat and per‑listing costs.
- Sellable pricing page (2026) – flat‑fee and premium subscription details.
- Home staging industry report (2026) – average costs for professional staging and photography.
All figures are approximations. Verify your county’s recorder fees, any required attorney costs, and local MLS rules before finalizing a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much can I really save by using Sellable instead of a broker?
On a $350,000 sale, the difference ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you add optional staging or MLS distribution. The biggest savings come from eliminating the 5‑6 % commission.
2. Do I still need to pay a commission if I list on Sellable and find a buyer myself?
No. Sellable charges only the flat platform fee you select. If you close the deal without a buyer’s agent, there’s no commission to pay.
3. Are there any hidden fees with Sellable?
Sellable’s pricing is transparent: a flat subscription or per‑listing fee. Optional services (staging, photography, premium MLS) are listed upfront. No surprise escrow or CRM charges.
4. What closing costs am I obligated to cover as a seller in 2026?
Typical seller‑side costs include transfer taxes, recording fees, and escrow settlement, usually 1 % – 2 % of the sale price. Some states require an attorney; fees vary from $0 to $1,200.
5. Can I combine Sellable with a traditional broker for certain tasks?
Yes. You can list on Sellable, use its AI lead desk, and still hire a broker for negotiation or paperwork on a per‑hour basis. Just ensure the broker’s contract does not include a full‑sale commission.
Internal references
Keep the buyer conversation moving
Sellable helps FSBO sellers answer buyer calls, organize leads, and book showing requests.
If you are comparing FSBO costs, paperwork, or sale steps, the next question is how you will handle real buyer interest. Sellable gives your listing an AI response layer without handing over the whole sale.