Whether you’re selling a home in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. one question always pops up: How much does a realtor make on a home sale? And more importantly—do I really have to pay that much?
Let’s break it all down—commission percentages, dollar amounts, and the new rules for real estate commissions. We’ll also explain why Real Home Connect offers a smarter, more affordable way to sell your home—with experienced local agents who only charge a 1% listing fee and no additional costs.
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $500,000 Sale?
In a traditional real estate transaction, realtor commission fees average between 5% and 6%, typically split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
- 5% of $500,000 = $25,000
- That’s usually split: $12,500 to the listing agent, $12,500 to the buyer’s agent
But wait—what if you could pay just 1% to your listing agent?
With Real Home Connect, sellers only pay 1% to list their home, which means:
- 1% of $500,000 = $5,000
- Savings = $7,500+ on the listing side alone (compared to 2.5%)
If you’re wondering how to sell your home and save thousands, this is it. Real Home Connect connects you with top-tier, local agents in Ashburn, Aldie, Centreville, Brambleton, and Leesburg, VA, who offer full-service listing support for just 1%—with no extra fees.
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $200,000 Sale?
- 5% of $200,000 = $10,000
- Split = $5,000 per agent
- Real Home Connect listing fee = $2,000
- You save: $3,000
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $100,000 Sale?
- 5% of $100,000 = $5,000
- Split = $2,500 each
- Real Home Connect fee = $1,000
- Savings: $1,500
Even at lower price points, every dollar matters—especially when you’re making your next move, paying down debt, or investing in your future.
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $300,000 Sale?
- 5% of $300,000 = $15,000
- Split = $7,500 per agent
- Real Home Connect fee = $3,000
- You keep: $4,500 more
How Much Does a Realtor Make on a $400,000 Sale?
- 5% of $400,000 = $20,000
- Split = $10,000 each
- Real Home Connect listing agent = $4,000
- That’s $6,000 back in your pocket
Realtor Commission Changes Explained: What Sellers Need to Know
You might’ve heard about the recent real estate agent commission lawsuit shaking up the industry. In short:
- Home sellers have long been required to pay both their agent and the buyer’s agent, which inflated closing costs.
- Class-action lawsuits and DOJ scrutiny have pushed the industry toward more transparent, flexible commission models.
This has opened the door for services like Real Home Connect, which gives sellers the power to choose lower-cost, high-quality agents—without getting locked into outdated pricing models.
So if you’re searching for a “1 percent commission realtor near me,” you’re in luck. This isn’t a gimmick. It’s the future.
Why Are Traditional Commissions Still So High?
Most people don’t realize this: Realtors don’t get to keep the full commission. Here’s why:
- A large portion goes to the brokerage
- Agents pay for marketing, listing photos, MLS access, and more
- There’s no “salary”—agents are paid only if the deal closes
That said, high commission rates don’t always equal better service. In fact, many top agents are shifting toward leaner, smarter business models that allow them to pass on the savings—just like our partner agents at Real Home Connect.
Can a Commission Be Less Than 1 Percent?
It’s rare, but yes. In certain cases, agents may accept lower than 1% (like flat fee listings or FSBO help), but beware:
- Many of these options are DIY or limited-service
- You may still pay additional transaction or marketing fees
- They don’t include full representation during negotiation, showings, and contract management
Real Home Connect is different. We connect you with licensed, experienced agents who handle everything—from pricing to closing—for just 1% listing commission.
How Much Can You Save with Real Home Connect?
Let’s run a few examples again, side-by-side:
| Sale Price | Traditional 2.5% Listing Fee | Real Home Connect 1% Fee | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $12,500 | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| $400,000 | $10,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| $300,000 | $7,500 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| $200,000 | $5,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| $100,000 | $2,500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
The Bottom Line: Save Big Without Cutting Corners
If you’re preparing to sell your home, now is the time to rethink how commissions work. Thanks to new industry standards, legal changes, and innovative models like Real Home Connect, you can get top-tier representation and keep thousands more in your bank account.
You don’t need to pay 5% or 6% to get your home sold. All you need is a smarter solution.
💡 Ready to connect with a 1% listing agent in your area?
📍 Serving sellers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
📞 Call us at 703-678-8238
🌐 Visit: realhomeconnect.com
Because when it comes to selling your home, it’s not about paying more—it’s about keeping more.