How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?

One of the first questions most homeowners ask when they start thinking about selling is simple: What is this actually going to cost me?

It’s a great question—and one that’s important to understand upfront so there are no surprises later.

Understanding Commission

When people think about costs, commission is usually the first thing that comes to mind. What many don’t realize is that there are typically two parts to it:

• Listing agent commission – This covers the services your agent provides, including marketing, managing the process, and negotiating on your behalf.
• Buyer’s broker commission – This is requested by the buyer and negotiated as part of the purchase agreement.

Both play a role in getting your home sold and should be factored into your overall picture.

Other Closing Costs to Expect

Beyond commission, there are additional closing costs that come with selling a home. These can include:

• Title company fees
• State transfer tax
• Administrative and processing costs tied to the transaction

These are standard parts of a sale and are typically deducted from your proceeds at closing.

Additional Factors That Impact Your Net

There are a few other pieces that can affect what you ultimately walk away with:

• Mortgage payoff – Your remaining loan balance will be paid off at closing
• Property taxes – Prorated based on the time of year
• Seller concessions – Sometimes negotiated as part of the offer
• Pre-sale updates – Optional improvements like paint, carpet, or minor updates to help your home show better

Not every seller chooses to invest in updates, but when done strategically, they can often increase your final return.

Why Net Proceeds Matter Most

Here’s the key: no two sellers have the exact same costs.

Your final numbers depend on your home, your timing, and the terms of your offer. That’s why it’s more important to focus on your net proceeds—what you actually walk away with—rather than just the sale price.

Want a Clear Picture of Your Numbers?

If you’re even starting to think about selling, having a rough idea of your net can be incredibly helpful for planning your next move.

The Sandy Erickson Real Estate Team can put together a personalized net proceeds estimate for you—no pressure, just clarity so you can make informed decisions.

Reach out anytime if you’d like us to run the numbers for your home.