What does it cost to sell a home?

Selling typically costs around 6–10% of the sale price once everything is tacked on. The biggest piece has traditionally been agent commission – historically about 5–6% split between the buyer's and seller's agents, though recent rule changes have made these fees more negotiable. Add seller-paid closing costs, transfer taxes, title fees, any concessions to the buyer, and prep work like repairs, staging, and cleaning. On a $500,000 sale, total costs of $30,000–$50,000 are realistic. Don't forget the cost of moving and possibly carrying two housing payments during the transition. Factor all of this into your net proceeds before deciding how much you'll actually walk away with, especially if you're using that equity to buy your next home.