What Costs Should I Expect When Selling My Home?
Sell Your House Without Losing Thousands: What hidden costs will drain your profit?
Quick answer — what costs should I expect when selling my home?
Short version: plan for agent commissions, closing costs, repairs, staging, moving, and possible taxes. Expect 6%–10% of your sale price in standard costs, plus any repair or upgrade bills. Know each line item and you keep more profit.
The predictable line items (budget these first)
- Real estate commission: 4%–6% of sale price. This is usually the biggest single cost. Negotiate where you can, but remember experience and marketing sell higher prices.
- Closing costs and legal fees: 0.5%–1.5%. Lawyer or notary fees, title work, discharge fees.
- Mortgage payoff penalties: Varies. Check your mortgage contract for prepayment penalties or discharge fees.
The often-overlooked expenses that kill profit
- Repairs and pre-list fixes: $500–$10,000+. Small cosmetic fixes can boost offers. Major issues cut offers fast.
- Staging and photography: $500–$3,000. Professional photos and staging shorten time on market and raise final price.
- Home inspection & certification costs: $200–$1,000. Buyers may ask for repairs after inspection.
- Moving costs: $500–$5,000 depending on distance and size.
Taxes and financial considerations
- Capital gains tax: If this wasn’t your primary residence for the entire ownership period, you may owe tax. Talk to an accountant.
- Property tax adjustments and outstanding utility bills: prorated at closing.
Smart ways to cut costs without losing offers
- Fix high-ROI items only: paint, kerb appeal, minor kitchen/bath touch-ups. Skip major renovations unless you’ll recoup value.
- Use a top agent who markets aggressively. A well-priced, marketed home can sell for more and absorb commission.
- Get multiple quotes: staging, movers, contractors, and legal help. Competition lowers invoices.
- Pre-list inspection: optional, but it converts unknowns into negotiating power.
How to estimate your total selling costs (simple formula)
- Start with 6% of expected sale price for commission.
- Add $1,000–$5,000 for repairs/staging depending on condition.
- Add 0.5%–1.5% for closing/legal costs.
- Add any mortgage penalties or tax liabilities.
Example: $700,000 sale → commission $42,000 + repairs $3,000 + closing $5,600 = ~$50,600 (7.2%).
Action plan — avoid surprises and maximize profit
- Get a free net-proceeds worksheet from a trusted agent before listing.
- Prioritize fixes with highest return on investment.
- Negotiate commission structure if the agent delivers measurable marketing and results.
If you want a clear, custom cost breakdown for your property, get a free, no-pressure net-proceeds estimate. Contact the local real estate expert: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca. I’ll give a line-by-line plan that usually saves sellers thousands and closes faster.
