Real Estate Commission Calculator
calculator
Purpose-built for real estate agents with commission splits, broker fees, and transaction cost calculations
- Commission split calculations (agent/broker)
- Transaction cost deductions
- Listing vs. selling side calculations
- Referral fee tracking
- Year-to-date commission tracking
- Gross Commission Income (GCI) projections
- →Calculate net commission after broker split
- →Project annual earnings from pipeline
- →Compare commission structures across brokerages
- →Track referral fees and bonuses
- →Calculate take-home after transaction costs
- ✓Real estate-specific calculations
- ✓Account for all deductions automatically
- ✓Compare multiple property deals
- ✓Plan tax obligations accurately
- ✓Project income from current listings
Enter Property Sale Price
Input the final sale price of the property. This is the gross sales price before any commissions or costs are deducted.
Example: Property sale price: R3,500,000
Set Total Commission Rate
Enter the total commission percentage agreed upon in the listing agreement (typically 5-6% in South Africa, split between listing and selling agents).
Example: Total commission: 6% (3% listing side + 3% selling side) = R210,000 total
Configure Your Split with Broker
Enter your commission split percentage with your brokerage. Common splits range from 50/50 for new agents to 90/10 or higher for experienced agents.
Example: Agent split: 70% (you keep R147,000 of the R210,000 gross commission)
Add Transaction Costs and Deductions
Include transaction costs like marketing expenses, photographer fees, signage, MLS fees, and any referral fees paid to other agents.
Example: Transaction costs: Marketing R2,500, Photography R1,500, MLS R500, Referral fee R10,000 = R14,500 total
Calculate Net Commission
The calculator shows your gross commission, broker split amount, transaction costs, and final net commission take-home amount.
Example: Net Commission: R132,500 (R147,000 gross - R14,500 costs). This is your actual earnings from the deal.
Scenario: Real Estate Agent - Single Property Sale
Inputs:
- Property Sale Price: R3,500,000
- Total Commission Rate: 6% (3% per side)
- Side: Listing side (3%)
- Agent/Broker Split: 70/30
- Transaction Costs: R14,500 (marketing, photos, fees)
- Referral Fee: R0
Result:
Net Commission: R59,000. Calculation: Sale price R3,500,000 × 3% (listing side) = R105,000 gross commission. Agent keeps 70% = R73,500. Less transaction costs R14,500 = R59,000 net take-home.
What is a typical real estate commission split in South Africa?
In South Africa, total commission rates typically range from 5-7.5% of the sale price, usually split between listing and selling agents (2.5-3.75% each side). New agents often start at 50/50 splits with their brokerage, progressing to 60/40, 70/30, and top producers can negotiate 80/20, 90/10, or even 95/5 splits. Some agencies also charge desk fees or monthly costs on top of the split.
How do transaction costs affect my take-home commission?
Transaction costs can significantly reduce net commission. Typical costs include: professional photography (R1,500-R3,000), marketing materials (R2,000-R5,000), virtual tours (R1,000-R2,500), signage (R500-R1,500), and MLS/listing fees (R500-R1,000). On a R3M property with 3% commission, these R10,000 in costs reduce your net by ~14%. Always factor these into your pricing strategy.
What are referral fees and when are they paid?
Referral fees (typically 20-35% of commission) are paid when another agent refers a client to you or when you refer a client outside your area of operation. For example, if you receive a buyer referral and earn R100,000 commission, you might pay R25,000 (25%) back to the referring agent. This is negotiated case-by-case and should be agreed upon in writing before the transaction.
How do dual agency commissions work?
In dual agency (representing both buyer and seller), you typically earn the full commission on both sides. However, South African law requires full disclosure and written consent from all parties. Some brokerages split dual agency commissions 50/50 between listing and selling activities. Always check your brokerage's policy and ensure compliance with Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) regulations.
When is commission actually paid in a property transaction?
Commission is typically paid at transfer (registration of the property in the Deeds Office), which occurs 2-3 months after offer acceptance. Payment comes from the proceeds of sale via the conveyancing attorney. If a deal falls through before transfer, no commission is paid unless specified in your listing agreement. Some agents negotiate partial payment at offer acceptance, but this is less common.
Zillow
Realtor.com
MLS systems
DotLoop