Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing resource allocation in a host-based replication environment are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for optimizing resource allocation in a host-based replication environment. The method includes assigning a weight to each of a multiple of file system entities to be replicated. The method also includes creating a list of available transfer agents for replicating file system entities, the list having first and second ends and the list including at least one entry representing each transfer agent. The method also includes alternating between starting from the first end of the list and moving through the list until the second end of the list is reached and starting from the second end of the list and moving through the list until the first end of the list is reached, and, while moving through the list, assigning in order of weight each of the file system entities to the transfer agent represented by the current entry in the list.