What it really costs to sell a house
The commissions, fees, prep, and closing costs that come out of your sale price.
Where the money goes
- Agent commissions — historically the largest cost, often 5–6% split between the buyer's and seller's agents, though this is increasingly negotiable.
- Closing costs & transfer taxes — title, escrow, and local transfer taxes, commonly 1–3%.
- Prep & repairs — paint, cleaning, staging, and fixing issues before listing. A few thousand dollars here often returns multiples at sale.
- Concessions — credits you give the buyer after inspection or to close the deal.
- Moving & overlap — movers, and possibly carrying two homes briefly.
How to keep more of your equity
Two levers matter most: negotiate commission (it's more flexible than it used to be) and prep smartly so your home sells faster and closer to the top of its range. Spending a little on the right cosmetic fixes usually earns far more than it costs, while over-improving wastes money. Knowing your home's value range and its highest-return projects up front lets you budget prep instead of guessing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to sell a house?
All in, selling a home usually costs 8–10% of the sale price once you include agent commissions, closing costs, prep, and concessions.
Who pays the real estate agent commission?
The seller has traditionally paid commission for both agents out of the sale proceeds, though commission structures are increasingly negotiable.
Can I reduce the cost of selling my home?
Yes — negotiate commission, and invest prep money only in high-return cosmetic fixes so your home sells faster and nearer the top of its range.