Real Estate Commission Calculator — Baltimore, MD
Median home price in Baltimore: $340,000 · Typical commission: 5% · Updated 2025
Total Commission
$17,000
Listing Agent Gets
$5,950
Buyer's Agent Gets
$5,950
Seller's Net
$323,000
Real Estate Commission Rates in Baltimore, Maryland
The typical total real estate commission in Baltimore is 5% of the sale price, based on current market data for Maryland. On the median Baltimore home price of $340,000, that works out to $17,000 in total agent fees.
Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation is now negotiated separately in Maryland. Most transactions still split the commission 50/50 between listing and buyer agents, but this is no longer required. Sellers in Baltimore have more flexibility than ever to offer lower buyer concessions.
How Commission Splits Work in Baltimore
- Listing agent typically receives $8,500 (2.5% of sale price)
- Buyer's agent typically receives $8,500 (if seller offers full split)
- Agent keeps ~70% after broker split: ~$5,950 per side
- Seller nets approximately $323,000 on a $340,000 sale
Tips for Negotiating Commission in Baltimore
- List at a higher price point — agents on $600,000+ homes often accept 2–2.5% listing side
- Compare multiple agents — commission rates in Maryland vary by 0.5–1% between agents
- Use a flat-fee MLS service — pay $300–$500 for MLS listing, offer buyer agent 2.5%
- Ask about a reduced rate on a simultaneous buy/sell — agents may discount if you're both buying and selling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average real estate commission in Baltimore, MD?
The average total commission in Baltimore is approximately 5%, slightly at or above the national average of 5.0–5.4% following the NAR settlement.
How much does a real estate agent make on a home sale in Baltimore?
On the median Baltimore home price of $340,000, a listing agent earns roughly $8,500 before broker split. After a typical 70/30 agent-broker split, the agent takes home approximately $5,950.
Do sellers have to pay the buyer's agent in Baltimore?
No. Since August 2024, sellers in Maryland are no longer required to offer buyer agent compensation through the MLS. Many still do to attract buyers, but it's now fully negotiable.