Selling your house? You might be wondering, “What’s this going to cost me?” Well, the final number isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on several factors—like the offer you accept, whether you help with the buyer’s closing costs, any repairs you tackle before listing, and much more. But don’t worry! I’m here to help you understand the main costs so you’re prepared, without any surprises.
I’ll walk you through the typical expenses involved in selling a home, and I’ll share a few strategies that can help you potentially save some money along the way. Plus, I’ll show you how, thanks to rising home values, most sellers end up with enough equity to comfortably cover these costs and still walk away with a nice gain.
Let’s dive into the details to help you get the full picture!
Closing Costs and Commission: What to Expect
When you sell your home, you’ll have a few key fees to cover at the closing table. These include closing costs and commission, which are essential to finalizing the sale and transferring ownership to the buyer. As a recent report explained, “Closing costs are fees that are paid to finalize the transaction and transfer ownership of the home to the buyer.”
Typically, closing costs run about 2% to 4% of your sale price on top of the agent’s commission. For context, based on the national median home sale price in 2023, that’s roughly $7,740 to $15,480—depending on where you’re selling and what the home’s worth. Keep in mind that these are average numbers; local property taxes and other factors can affect them.
Quick Tip: If you’ve prepaid for items like property taxes or mortgage escrow as part of your mortgage, you could get a credit back at closing, which might offset some of these expenses. So, it’s not all out-of-pocket costs!
Pre-Listing Inspection and Repairs: Tackle the Must-Dos
Thinking about a pre-listing inspection? It’s optional, but it can give you a leg up on understanding what the buyer’s inspection might reveal later. If you know about potential issues ahead of time, you can address them on your terms, rather than scrambling to negotiate repairs or credits during the sale. This approach is all about setting yourself up for a smooth, seamless sale from the start.
For example, you might decide to handle minor repairs or cosmetic updates upfront. Want some advice? I’ll help you figure out which fixes will give you the best return. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint or small repairs can make all the difference in helping your home feel inviting to potential buyers. If bigger repairs pop up, we can discuss your options and decide if it’s worth tackling them or listing “as-is.”
Home Staging: Making a Lasting Impression
With more homes hitting the market, staging has become a popular choice to help listings stand out. It’s totally optional, but staging can help buyers visualize themselves in your space, which often means faster offers at higher prices. Staging ranges widely in cost—from $782 to $2,817 on average. But remember, there are affordable ways to get that “wow” factor without breaking the bank.
Not interested in full staging? No problem. I can guide you on the little tweaks that make a big impact, like rearranging furniture, decluttering, or adding some fresh decor to cozy up the space. Sometimes, a simple rug, some extra lighting, or removing personal photos can make the house feel more inviting without a hefty cost.
Why Working with an Agent Can Help You Save
One of the best ways to save on selling costs? Leaning on your agent’s expertise. I’m here to help you trim unnecessary expenses while maximizing your home’s appeal. From strategic advice on what repairs to make (or skip) to smart pricing and marketing, I’ll make sure your investment works hard for you.
For instance, you might consider skipping professional staging and pre-listing inspections. While these services can be beneficial, I can help you decide whether they’re truly necessary for your sale. Plus, as your agent, I’ll market your home to the right buyers, making sure its best features get noticed. After all, a well-priced, well-presented home is more likely to attract competitive offers, and that often means a higher net profit for you.
Bottom Line: Let’s Talk Costs So You’re Prepared
Ready to get a clear picture of what it’ll cost to sell your house? Let’s chat! I’ll walk you through all the details so you’re prepared at every step. With the right guidance and a bit of planning, you’ll be well-equipped to cover any expenses and make the most of your sale.
Anytime between “now” and “right now” is a good time to take action on shaping your best life, and that includes where you live. Let’s get the ball rolling on your next steps.
(702) 374-6807. Or drop me a line here.
