What will selling your house actually cost?
Commission is the biggest single cost of selling — and it is negotiable, not standard. Put in your own numbers and see what the rate you accept is worth in dollars.
The worked example: on a $429,100 sale (the national median existing-home price — National Association of Realtors, August 2026) at a 5.46% total commission (the average in Clever Real Estate survey of 434 agents, August 2026), the commission is about $23,429. Every single percentage point on that sale is worth about $4,291. Commission is negotiable, so the rate you agree is worth knowing in dollars before you sign.
Arithmetic on the numbers in the boxes — the starting price and rate are examples; type your own — not a quote or a forecast. There is no standard commission — rates are negotiable — and a “total” figure combines the listing agent’s fee with any compensation you choose to offer a buyer’s agent, which is a separate decision.
The calculator, opened on your city
The same calculator, starting from an example price for that city: San Diego, CA · Los Angeles, CA · San Jose, CA · Sacramento, CA · San Antonio, TX · Phoenix, AZ · Houston, TX.
Common questions about commission
How much money can a home seller save when agents compete? — Listing commission is negotiable, so savings depend on the proposals you receive.
Is real estate agent commission negotiable? — Yes.
Is 6% still the standard real estate commission? — No — 6% is not a standard, and treating it as one is expensive.