How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House? A Breakdown of Expenses

Selling a house isn’t just about finding a buyer and cashing in on your investment. Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how many costs come with selling a property. From realtor commissions to closing costs, repairs, and even taxes, these expenses can add up quickly and take a chunk out of your final profit.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common costs associated with selling a house and how to minimize them.

1. Realtor Commissions (6-7%)

If you sell your home through a real estate agent, you’ll likely pay a 6-7% commission fee, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. This is one of the largest expenses when selling a home.

• Example: On a $250,000 home, you’d pay between $15,000 to $17,500 in realtor fees.
• Alternative: Selling your home for cash means no realtor fees, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Resource: National Association of Realtors (NAR) Commission Data

2. Closing Costs (1-3%)

Sellers are typically responsible for 1-3% in closing costs, which can include:

• Title insurance: Protects the buyer from title disputes ($1,000-$3,000).
• Escrow fees: Paid to the escrow company handling the sale.
• Transfer taxes: Fees paid to the local government for transferring ownership.
• Recording fees: Fees for officially recording the sale with the county.
• Example: On a $250,000 home, closing costs can range from $2,500 to $7,500.
• Resource: HUD Closing Costs Guide

3. Home Repairs & Improvements ($1,000 – $10,000+)

Most homes need some repairs or updates before hitting the market. Even minor fixes can add up quickly.

• Common pre-sale repairs include:
  • Painting: $1,000 – $3,000
  • Roof repairs: $3,000 – $10,000
  • HVAC fixes: $3,000 – $7,000
  • Flooring replacement: $2,000 – $8,000
• Resource: HomeAdvisor Cost Guide

4. Staging & Photography ($500 – $3,000)

To attract buyers, many sellers invest in staging and professional photography.

• Professional real estate photography: $200 – $500
• Home staging (furniture, decor, etc.): $1,000 – $3,000

Homes that are staged sell faster and often for a higher price, but it’s an added upfront cost.

• Resource: National Association of Realtors Home Staging Study

5. Holding Costs (Varies by Market)

If your home doesn’t sell quickly, you’ll still have to cover mortgage payments, utilities, and taxes until closing.

• Mortgage payments: $1,000 – $3,000 per month
• Property taxes: Varies by location (Ohio average: 1.57% of home value per year)
• Utilities & insurance: $200 – $600 per month
• Example: If your home sits on the market for 3 months, you could be paying an extra $3,000 to $10,000 in holding costs.
• Resource: Cuyahoga County Property Tax Information

6. Buyer Concessions (1-2%)

In a buyer’s market, sellers may have to offer concessions to sweeten the deal. This can include:

• Closing cost assistance (covering part of the buyer’s closing fees)
• Repair credits (offering money back instead of fixing issues)
• Example: On a $250,000 home, seller concessions could cost $2,500 to $5,000.
• Resource: Bankrate Seller Concessions Guide

7. Capital Gains Taxes (If Applicable)

If you’ve owned the home for less than two years, you may owe capital gains taxes on your profit. However, if it’s your primary residence and you’ve lived there for 2+ years, you may qualify for an exemption.

• Capital Gains Tax Rate: 15-20% of profit (if applicable)
• Resource: IRS Capital Gains Tax Guide

8. Moving Costs ($1,000 – $5,000+)

Finally, once you sell, you’ll need to cover the cost of moving to your new home.

• DIY moving truck rental: $200 – $1,000
• Full-service movers: $1,500 – $5,000+
• Storage costs (if needed): $100 – $300 per month

Resource: U-Haul Moving Cost Estimator