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North Dakota Real Estate Sale: Costs & Commission Explained

Reasonable compensation with nothing to fall back on, a $160 filing fee, and no bond required by default.

N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-19

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Quick answer: the ordinary 5-6% realtor commission applies as usual, plus a reasonable personal representative fee with no fixed percentage, plus a $160 filing fee. See how this plays out for your own numbers in the North Dakota probate real estate sale calculator.

The bare Uniform Probate Code standard, nothing more

Confirmed current: N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-19 entitles a personal representative only to reasonable compensation for services performed, the bare Uniform Probate Code formulation with no factors listed in the statute itself. The court decides what is reasonable, reviewing compensation on petition of an interested person or on its own motion.

A modest, recently updated filing fee

Informal probate carries a $160 filing fee, effective July 1, 2025, paid to the Clerk of District Court — though the court can waive this fee if paying it would cause financial hardship.

Co-personal-representatives split one fee, not two

Co-personal-representatives share one reasonable fee allocated by the court, rather than each receiving a separate full fee — worth knowing before assuming multiple executors multiply the total cost.

No bond by default

Bond is not required in informal probate unless specifically requested — one less routine cost compared to states that require it as a matter of course.

Facing probate in North Dakota?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a North Dakota attorney

The §30.1-18-19 reasonableness standard and $160 filing fee apply the same way in every North Dakota county's District Court.

Sale costs and commission — frequently asked questions

Is there a fixed percentage for a North Dakota personal representative's fee?

No — N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-19 entitles the personal representative only to reasonable compensation, with no percentage, schedule, or list of factors written into the statute itself.

What does North Dakota's informal probate filing fee cost?

$160, effective July 1, 2025, paid to the Clerk of District Court — though the court can waive this fee if paying it would cause financial hardship.

Do co-personal-representatives each get a separate fee?

No — co-personal-representatives share one reasonable fee allocated by the court, rather than each receiving a separate full fee.

Is a bond required in North Dakota?

No, not by default in informal probate — bond is not required unless specifically requested.

Keep going

North Dakota Probate Real Estate Sale CalculatorYour estimate, based on your answers Court Approval to Sell in North DakotaInformal, unsupervised administration, explained Capital Gains Tax on the Sale in North DakotaA 40% exclusion on the long-term gain North Dakota Executor Fee CalculatorReasonable compensation, explained

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Based on N.D. Cent. Code §30.1-18-19 and North Dakota Court System filing fee schedules. Confirm current figures with a licensed North Dakota attorney or real estate professional before acting.