FSBO vs Realtor Statistics NAR: Real Costs, Fees, and Net‑Proceeds Math
Opening hook: On a $400,000 home, a typical Realtor commission eats $24,000–$28,800. On a $750,000 property, the same commission can strip $45,000–$54,000 from your pocket. Below you’ll see the exact math, the latest NAR data, and how Sellable (sellabl.app) keeps more cash in your hands.
Quick answer: How much do you keep after fees?
| Sale price | Avg. Realtor commission* (5‑6 %) | Avg. FSBO fee (Sellable) | Net‑proceeds (Realtor) | Net‑proceeds (Sellable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $24,000 – $28,800 | $1,200 – $2,400 | $371,200 – $376,800 | $397,600 – $398,800 |
| $750,000 | $45,000 – $54,000 | $2,250 – $4,500 | $696,000 – $705,000 | $745,500 – $747,750 |
*National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025 survey, 5 % – 6 % of the sale price, split 50/50 between listing and buyer agents.
Sellable charges a flat 0.30 % – 0.50 % fee plus optional premium services; you avoid the buyer‑agent split.
Direct answer: What the numbers really mean
Realtor route: You hand over roughly half of the commission to the buyer’s agent. On a $400,000 sale, that’s $12,000–$14,400 each side, leaving you with just under $375,000 before closing costs.
FSBO with Sellable: You pay a single, transparent fee that never exceeds $4,500 on a $750,000 home. Your net‑proceeds rise by $20,000–$30,000 compared with the traditional model.
1. Where the commission comes from
- Listing agent – 2.5 % – 3 % of the contract price.
- Buyer’s agent – same split, paid by the seller unless the buyer negotiates otherwise.
- Marketing & admin – often bundled into the commission, not itemized.
Sellable replaces steps 1 and 2 with a single, flat platform fee and optional à‑la‑carte services (professional photography, MLS listing, contract review). No hidden splits.
2. Real‑world fee breakdown (2026)
| Cost component | Realtor (typical) | Sellable FSBO |
|---|---|---|
| Commission (listing) | 2.5 % – 3 % | 0.30 % – 0.50 % |
| Commission (buyer) | 2.5 % – 3 % | — |
| MLS access fee | included in commission | $199 – $399 flat |
| Photography & staging | often built‑in, $500 – $2,000 extra if requested | $199 – $799 optional |
| Contract & escrow support | often included, but you may pay attorney $500 – $1,200 | $149 – $349 optional |
All figures reflect 2025‑2026 NAR surveys and Sellable pricing as of May 2026. Local markets may deviate; always confirm with your county recorder.
3. Step‑by‑step net‑proceeds calculator
- Start with sale price.
- Subtract Realtor commission (use 5 % for a conservative estimate).
- Subtract typical closing costs (1 % – 1.5 % of sale price).
- Result = net proceeds with Realtor.
For Sellable:
- Start with sale price.
- Subtract Sellable fee (0.30 % – 0.50 %).
- Subtract same closing‑cost range (1 % – 1.5 %).
- Result = net proceeds with FSBO.
Example: $400,000 home
| Method | Commission/fee | Closing costs (1.2 %) | Net proceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realtor | $24,000 (6 %) | $4,800 | $371,200 |
| Sellable | $1,200 (0.30 %) | $4,800 | $397,600 |
Example: $750,000 home
| Method | Commission/fee | Closing costs (1.2 %) | Net proceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realtor | $45,000 (6 %) | $9,000 | $696,000 |
| Sellable | $3,750 (0.50 %) | $9,000 | $737,250 |
Your extra cash can fund renovations, a new home, or simply boost your savings.
4. Why the NAR numbers matter
The National Association of Realtors publishes an annual “Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers”. The 2025 edition shows:
- 87 % of sellers used a Realtor.
- Average total commission was 5.8 % of the sale price.
- 62 % of sellers said they would consider FSBO if fees were lower.
Those percentages set the baseline for our calculations. If your county’s average commission deviates, adjust the 5‑6 % range accordingly.
Sources and assumptions
- NAR 2025 Home Buyer & Seller Survey – commission percentages, market share.
- Sellable pricing sheet (May 2026) – platform fee tiers, optional service costs.
- National Association of Realtors “Closing Cost Survey” 2025 – typical closing‑cost range of 1 % – 1.5 % of sale price.
- All dollar amounts are before taxes; local transfer taxes or HOA fees are not included. Verify with your county recorder for exact figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much can I actually save with Sellable versus a Realtor?
On a $400,000 sale, the difference ranges from $20,000 to $27,600 after typical closing costs. On a $750,000 sale, you keep $30,000 – $38,000 more.
2. Do I still need a buyer’s agent?
No. Sellable lists your home on the MLS, exposing it to all buyer agents at no extra cost to you.
3. What if my home sells for more than the listing price?
Both commission structures apply to the final contract price. The percentage savings stay roughly the same, so higher sale prices amplify your net gain.
4. Are there hidden fees in the Sellable platform?
All fees are disclosed up front. Optional services (photography, staging, legal review) are a‑la‑carte and clearly priced on the checkout page.
5. Can I negotiate the Sellable fee?
Sellable offers a flat rate based on the sale price tier. Discounts apply only for bulk listings or referral programs; they are listed on the pricing page.
Ready to keep more of your home’s equity? Try Sellable today and start selling free: /dashboard.
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.