If you're considering selling your home, you're likely curious about what the costs will look like. The total expenses depend on several factors, such as the offer you accept, whether you assist with the buyer’s closing costs, and any repairs you decide to address.

To give you a general idea, here’s a breakdown of some common costs you’ll want to budget for:

Closing Costs and Agent Commissions

When you sell your home, you’ll need to cover closing costs, which include fees associated with finalizing the sale and transferring the home’s ownership to the buyer. These typically range from 2% to 4% of the sale price. According to U.S. News Real Estate:

“Closing costs are fees that are paid to finalize the transaction and transfer ownership of the home to the buyer . . . Sellers can expect to pay 2% to 4% of the sale price of the home in fees and taxes on top of the agent commission.”

These percentages can vary depending on your location and the agreement you make with your real estate agent. Keep in mind that if you’ve been paying things like property taxes and mortgage escrow, you may receive a credit at closing to offset some of these expenses.

Pre-Listing Inspection and Repairs

A pre-listing inspection is optional but can be beneficial. It allows you to identify any potential issues before the buyer’s inspection. This way, you can take care of repairs ahead of time and avoid last-minute negotiations.

Even if you choose to skip the pre-inspection, your agent can offer valuable advice on small fixes, paint choices, or cosmetic updates that can make a big impact. This helps you invest in the improvements that will yield the highest return when selling.

Home Staging

Staging is another optional cost but can make a difference in how your home shows, especially in a competitive market. Whether it’s renting furniture for a vacant home or adding a few decorative touches, staging helps potential buyers envision themselves in the space. The average cost for staging can range from $782 to $2,817, but prices can vary.

If staging isn’t in the budget, your real estate agent can guide you on easy ways to declutter and rearrange furniture to make your home more appealing to buyers.

Why Working with an Agent Is Important

While some costs like staging and pre-inspections are optional, cutting corners by skipping a real estate agent is not advisable. An experienced agent can help you save money in other areas by offering strategic advice on repairs and marketing. They’ll craft a personalized marketing plan, price your home correctly, and highlight the improvements you’ve made to attract serious buyers. Ultimately, this can help your home sell for more money.

Bottom Line

Wondering how much it will cost to sell your house? Let’s connect, and we can go over all the details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.