Short answer
Yes, with conditions. Fannie Mae and FHA both let a licensed real estate agent who earns a commission on the home they're buying use it toward the down payment and closing costs. The commission must show on the settlement statement and be credited to the purchase. Under FHA, a family member who is a licensed agent can also give their commission as a gift.
Fannie Mae's rule
Fannie Mae's Selling Guide (B3-4.3-21) treats your earned commission as eligible funds for the down payment and closing costs when you're a licensed real estate agent acting as your own agent and you'll receive a sales commission on the purchase. The settlement statement must show the commission you earned, and it must be credited toward the loan.
FHA's rule
HUD's Handbook 4000.1 lets FHA lenders count the buyer's share of the commission on the home being purchased as an acceptable source of funds if the buyer is a licensed real estate agent. A family member who is entitled to the commission may give it to you as a gift, following FHA's standard gift rules. The lender verifies the license and that the commission is owed on this purchase.
Things to plan for
- Tell your broker and the lender early so the commission is set up correctly in the contract and on the closing figures.
- Your commission may count as income too; ask your tax preparer how it's reported.
- Seller-paid costs have their own limits, so keep the commission credit separate from any seller credit.
Sources
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B3-4.3-21, Borrower's Earned Real Estate Commission
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Update 18 (August 2026), Real Estate Commission from Sale of a Subject Property
Checked November 2, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.