How Much Are Realtor Fees When Selling: Real Costs, Fees, and Net‑Proceeds Math
$12,000 is the typical commission you’ll pay on a $400,000 home if you hire a traditional realtor. On a $750,000 house, that number jumps to $22,500. The math behind those figures matters because it directly shrinks the cash you walk away with. Below you’ll see the exact breakdown, a side‑by‑side cost table, and a step‑by‑step guide to calculate your net proceeds—whether you stay with an agent or switch to Sellable (sellabl.app) and keep the commission.
Quick Answer: What Do Realtors Charge?
Most agents in 2026 still work on a 6 % total commission, split evenly between the listing and buyer’s agents (3 % each). Some markets negotiate lower rates—3 % to 4 % total is becoming common in high‑volume areas. The commission is calculated on the final sale price, not the listing price, so every dollar you close above the asking price adds to the fee.
How the 6 % Commission Breaks Down
| Sale price | Listing agent (3 %) | Buyer’s agent (3 %) | Total commission | Cash to seller before other costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 | $24,000 | $376,000* |
| $750,000 | $22,500 | $22,500 | $45,000 | $705,000* |
| $1,000,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 | $940,000* |
*Numbers exclude closing costs, taxes, and any seller‑paid repairs.
Step‑by‑Step: Calculate Your Net Proceeds
- Determine the expected sale price – use recent comps or an online estimator.
- Apply the commission rate – multiply the price by 0.06 for a standard 6 % split.
- Subtract other selling costs – title fees, escrow, transfer taxes, and any agreed‑upon repairs.
- Add any seller credits – if you’re offering a credit for buyer repairs, subtract it now.
- Result = Net proceeds – the cash you actually receive at closing.
Example:
- Expected price: $400,000
- Commission (6 %): $24,000
- Closing costs (title, escrow, taxes): $4,500
- Repair credit to buyer: $2,000
Net proceeds = $400,000 – $24,000 – $4,500 – $2,000 = $369,500.
Why the Commission Varies
| Factor | Typical impact on commission |
|---|---|
| Market competition | Hot markets (e.g., Austin, Miami) often see 4 %–5 % total deals. |
| Brokerage model | Discount brokers may list at 2 %–3 % total, but provide fewer marketing tools. |
| Negotiated split | Sellers can ask for a 2 % listing fee if the buyer’s agent still gets 3 %. |
| Flat‑fee services | Some companies charge a flat $2,500 regardless of price, which can beat 6 % on homes under $250,000. |
Sellable vs. Traditional Agents: The Bottom‑Line Comparison
| Feature | Traditional 6 % Agent | Sellable (sellabl.app) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $24,000 on $400k | $0 (free plan) |
| Listing exposure | MLS + agent network | MLS + AI‑driven marketing |
| Negotiation support | Full‑service | Guided AI scripts, optional human coach |
| Up‑front costs | None (paid at closing) | Free plan, optional $199 premium tools |
| Net proceeds on $400k | $376,000* | $400,000 – $4,500 (closing) ≈ $395,500 |
*Traditional net assumes only commission; actual cash will be lower after closing costs.
By eliminating the 6 % commission, Sellable can add $12,000–$22,500 to your pocket on typical mid‑range homes. The platform still posts your listing on the MLS, runs targeted digital ads, and provides AI‑crafted negotiation scripts, so you don’t lose the professional edge.
What Sellers Usually Fix (and What to Skip)
| Item | Typical repair cost | When to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Leaky faucet | $150 | Fix if it shows on inspection |
| Cosmetic paint | $800 | Skip if walls are in good condition |
| Roof patch | $2,500 | Fix only if roof has visible damage |
| HVAC service | $300 | Do a filter change; full service only if inspection flags it |
Bottom line: Only address issues that will cause a buyer to renegotiate or walk away. Unnecessary upgrades eat into the net proceeds you could otherwise keep.
Sources and Assumptions (May 11 2026)
- National Association of Realtors (NAR): 2025‑2026 commission survey, average 5.8 % total.
- State real‑estate boards: Commission caps and typical splits for California, Texas, Florida.
- MLS data (multiple regional MLSs): Average closing cost percentages for 2025‑2026.
- Sellable pricing page: Current free and premium plan fees.
Numbers reflect national averages; verify local rates with a few agents or your county recorder’s office before finalizing your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is 3 % a standard realtor fee?
Yes, 3 % is the typical share each side (listing and buyer) receives, adding up to a 6 % total commission on the sale price.
2. Can I negotiate the commission lower?
Absolutely. In competitive markets agents may agree to 2 %–3 % total, especially for high‑value homes where the dollar amount remains substantial.
3. Who actually pays the realtor fee?
The seller pays the total commission out of the closing proceeds. The buyer’s agent receives its portion from that pool; the buyer does not write a separate check.
4. Does using Sellable eliminate all fees?
Sellable’s free plan removes the 6 % commission but still requires standard closing costs (title, escrow, taxes). Optional premium tools cost a flat fee, not a percentage of the sale price.
5. Should I fix minor cosmetic issues before listing?
Focus on repairs that show up on inspections or affect safety. Cosmetic paint, minor landscaping, and cleaning usually provide a higher return when left to the buyer’s negotiation.
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.