This is how commissions work on 'Selling Sunset'—and how much the stars actually make

Watching the real-estate hijinks of our favorite California firm, we can't help but wonder: exactly how do those Selling Sunset commissions work? 

Now in its sixth season—Selling Sunset season 6 hit Netflix on Friday, May 19—we've watched for years as the ladies of The Oppenheim Group have battled to get the latest listing of a multi-million dollar mansion. 

One thing we do know, however, is that the show's stars like Chrishell Stause, Emma Hernan, Nicole Young and Co. make a lot of money, judging by their lavish lifestyles. (Curious about whose Selling Sunset cast net worth is the highest? We've got the scoop.)  But exactly how much do the O Group realtors rake in from those home sales? 

Now that we can finally watch season six, here's everything you need to know about how commissions work on the show and much money the agents are making...

How do 'Selling Sunset' commissions work?

Like most real estate agents, the income of the agents on Selling Sunset is based on the amount they make via commissions. 

This means that none of the women actually receives a salary from The Oppenheim Group and instead they make their money just from a percentage of each home sale. They only receive a payslip if they actually sell a house, which explains all the drama among the group about landing new listings and the favoritism around Mary Fitzgerald, who is a close friend and ex-girlfriend of owner Jason. 

As for the rate of their commission, it varies from property to property but considering the caliber of homes they sell (and the hefty price tags they come with) it’s safe to say that their commissions are around six figures pretty much every time.

Speaking to Metro about commissions at The Oppenheim Group, Maya Vander said: “Typically the commission on a purchase is 5%. The 5% is split into half for the person who represents the seller and the person who brings the buyer, so you end up with 2.5%.” 

She continued: “If I bring the buyer, I get 2.5% of the purchase price, but then Jason will take his cut because he’s the broker and he has the liability. Typically for a brokerage, it’s about 70/30 split. I would keep 70% out of the 2.5% and he would take 30%. And then we have to pay taxes.”

So for example, an agent who sold a $70 million (£50 million) listing could end up taking home a whopping $1.2 million (£850,000), which isn’t too shabby! 

However, it's not every day you sell a $70 million home. In an interview with Express.co.uk, Mary said that working for commissions was the hardest thing about her job. “Spending months sometimes with a client and then they change their minds,” she said. “The best part can also be when a client finds something they love immediately and I make a huge commission with very little effort.”

What are the most expensive homes on 'Selling Sunset'?

The most expensive home we've seen on Selling Sunset so far is Davina Potratz’s $75 million listing, which first appeared in season two. We’ve also seen a home for $40 million but the agents often sell smaller properties and apartments between $4 million to $8 million.

Selling Sunset season 6 is streaming on Netflix as of Friday, May 19.