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Quickly estimate your commission on any transaction. Enter the sale price, your commission rate, and your split with the broker.
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The percentage of the commission you keep after the broker's cut.
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Your Take-Home
$10,500
Expert Guide
The March 2026 National Association of Realtors settlement reshaped how commissions are discussed and negotiated — but the fundamental math hasn't changed. Whether you're a new agent running numbers on your first deal or a seasoned broker evaluating a new split offer, understanding exactly how your commission flows from sale price to take-home pay is essential. This calculator gives you the raw numbers; this guide gives you the context to interpret them.
Real estate commission is calculated as a percentage of the property's sale price, not a flat fee. A 6% commission on a $500,000 home generates $30,000 total. That amount is typically split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage — roughly $15,000 per side. Your broker then takes their cut of your side based on your split agreement. If your split is 70/30, you keep $10,500 and your broker keeps $4,500.
According to NAR's 2026 data, the average US commission rate fell to approximately 5.49%, down from 5.65% in 2023 and 5.99% in 2022. On the median existing-home sale price of $407,200 (Q3 2026), that's roughly $22,355 total commission, or about $11,178 per side before the broker split. After a 70/30 split, the agent takes home approximately $7,824 — and that's before franchise fees, transaction fees, and taxes.
Broker splits vary dramatically by experience level and brokerage model. New agents typically start at 50/50 or 60/40 — the broker provides leads, training, and office resources in exchange for a larger share. As your production increases, splits improve. By your second or third year, 70/30 is common. Experienced agents with consistent volume often negotiate 80/20 or 90/10. Top producers — those closing 30+ deals per year — may secure 95/5 or move to flat-fee brokerages where they pay $100–$1,000 per transaction and keep 100% of the commission.
But a higher split isn't always better. A 90/10 split at a brokerage that provides zero leads and minimal support may net less than a 70/30 split at a firm with a strong lead pipeline, transaction coordinators, and marketing budget. Evaluate the total value of what your brokerage provides, not just the percentage.
Commission rates aren't uniform across the country. In high-priced markets like the San Francisco Bay Area or Manhattan, rates often trend lower (4–5%) because the dollar amounts per transaction are large enough to sustain the business at lower percentages. In lower-priced markets like parts of the Midwest or South, rates may hold at 6–7% because the agent needs a higher percentage to make the transaction worthwhile.
Luxury transactions ($2M+) frequently involve negotiated rates of 3–4% total, while entry-level properties under $200,000 may see rates of 6–7% or flat-fee arrangements. New construction and developer transactions often follow different commission structures entirely, sometimes offering bonus incentives above the base rate.
Before negotiating your split, know what's standard across different brokerage models. The right structure depends on your experience level, deal volume, and how much support you need from your broker.
| Brokerage Type | Typical Split | Per-Txn Fees | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Brokerage (KW, RE/MAX, CB) | 50/50 → 90/10 | $50–$500/txn | Full support: leads, office, training |
| Flat-Fee / 100% Model (eXp, RE/MAX Platinum) | 100% to agent | $100–$1,000/txn + desk fee | Agent keeps all, pays monthly desk fee |
| Team Model (team leader + agents) | 50/50 → 80/20 after team split | Varies | Leads provided, but team leader takes 20–50% |
| Boutique / Independent | 70/30 → 95/5 | $100–$300/txn | Mid-level support, flexible splits |
| New Agent (first 2 years) | 50/50 → 60/40 | $0–$250/txn | Training + mentorship included |
| Top Producer (30+ deals/yr) | 90/10 → 100% | Flat fee or $0 | Negotiated; minimal support needed |
Source: NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, Clever Real Estate commission study, REAL Trends 500, and industry platform data. Figures are national averages and vary by market.
Commission rates vary significantly by region. High-priced markets tend to have lower percentage rates but higher dollar amounts. Use these averages as a reference point for your market.
| State | Avg Total Commission | Commission on Median Home |
|---|---|---|
| California | 4.92% | $20,127 |
| Texas | 5.43% | $12,383 |
| Florida | 5.16% | $19,937 |
| New York | 4.77% | $19,486 |
| Washington | 5.02% | $28,067 |
| Arizona | 5.33% | $20,615 |
| Colorado | 5.22% | $21,549 |
| Georgia | 5.45% | $16,003 |
| National Average | 5.49% | $22,355 |
Source: NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, Clever Real Estate commission study, REAL Trends 500, and industry platform data. Figures are national averages and vary by market.
Follow these steps to get an accurate result. Every field updates the numbers in real time — no "calculate" button needed.
Input the expected or actual sale price of the property. If you're estimating, use the list price as a starting point.
Enter the percentage you'll earn on this transaction. If you represent one side, enter your side's rate (typically 2.5–3%). For dual agency, enter the full commission rate.
Enter the city where the property is located. This is included in your exported report for record-keeping and comparison across transactions.
Input the percentage of commission you personally retain after your brokerage takes their cut. For a 70/30 split, enter 70. For a 100% model, enter 100.
The results panel shows your total commission, broker's share, and your actual take-home amount — all updating in real time as you adjust the inputs.
Tip: The calculator is completely interactive — change any input and the results panel updates instantly. Try different scenarios to see how each variable affects your bottom line.