real-estate · 2026-05-01
Compute what a home seller actually walks away with — sale price minus agent commission, transfer taxes, mortgage payoff, prorated property tax, and closing costs.
| Sale price | $550,000 |
| Total agent commission % | 5.5% |
| Mortgage payoff balance | $285,000 |
| Transfer tax % | 0.5% |
| Title + escrow + recording | $2,400 |
| Prorated property tax owed | $1,500 |
| Repair credits to buyer | $0 |
| Home warranty for buyer | $600 |
| Agent commission | $30,250 |
| Total deductions | $322,500 |
| Net as % of sale | 41.4% |
The Zillow estimate isn't your check. Once you subtract agent commission (5-6%), mortgage payoff (often half the sale price), state transfer tax, escrow fees, and the prorated property tax — typical sellers walk away with 35-45% of the listed price.
Yes — and the 2024 NAR settlement made it expected. Listing agent commission ranges from flat fee ($300-3000) to 1-3%. Buyer's agent commission used to be paid by seller; post-settlement it's negotiable. Discount brokerages (Redfin: 1-1.5% listing) save the average seller $5,000-15,000.
Per state law, often a percentage of sale price. NJ: 1% on $1M+ homes (mansion tax) on top of regular transfer tax. NY: 0.4% state + 1-1.425% NYC RPTT. CA: low (0.11%) but city add-ons in SF/LA. PA: 1% + local 1%. Always verify locally.
For-sale-by-owner saves the listing-side commission (~2.5-3% of sale price) but stats show FSBO homes sell for ~6% less. Net: usually a wash unless you have a buyer in hand or specialized market knowledge. Better play for most: flat-fee MLS service ($500) + offer 2.5% to buyer's agent.