Typical Fees to Expect When Selling Your Home

Answer

Selling your home involves more than setting a listing price—various fees and closing costs will impact your net proceeds. Knowing the common expenses helps you prepare a realistic budget and avoid surprises at closing.

Here are the key costs most sellers encounter:

• Real estate commission: Generally 5–6% of the sale price, split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent.
• Title and escrow fees: Around 1–2% of sale price covers title search, title insurance and escrow services.
• Transfer taxes & recording fees: Vary by location—often between $0.01–$0.50 per $100 of sale price, paid to county or state.
• Home repairs & staging: Budget $2,000–$5,000 for cosmetic fixes; staging can cost $500–$3,000 depending on home size.
• Seller concessions: You may agree to cover up to 1–2% of the sale price toward the buyer’s closing costs or repairs.
• Prorated property taxes & utilities: Your share of annual taxes and utility bills, calculated up to the closing date.
• HOA fees or assessments (if applicable): Some associations charge transfer or resale fees, typically $100–$500.

On a $300,000 home, total selling costs often range from $18,000 to $24,000 before mortgage payoff. Variables like local transfer taxes, agent commission rates and necessary repairs can shift this window.

Before listing, buyers are recommended to verify fee schedules with your agent, request a closing-cost estimate from your title company and consult a licensed attorney for any state‐specific transfer requirements. For detailed commission data and market trends, see the National Association of Realtors.

Careful planning of these expenses ensures you price your home competitively and maximize your net proceeds. It’s advisable to check with a licensed local real estate professional to tailor estimates to your area.