Understanding costs upfront helps you plan for a smooth sale. Here’s a breakdown of common expenses involved in selling a home:

• Real Estate Commissions – Traditionally, sellers covered both their agent's and the buyer's agent's commissions, typically totaling around 5-6% of the home's sale price. With the new rules, sellers are no longer required to pay the buyer's agent's commission upfront. Instead, buyers now negotiate and pay their agent's fees directly. However, buyers may choose to negotiate these fees as part of the purchase contract, effectively factoring them into the overall transaction.

  This means that, while sellers aren't obligated to cover the buyer’s agent commission, including some compensation in the contract could still be beneficial, as it may make the property more attractive to buyers. This option provides flexibility for both parties, allowing for customized negotiations that align with each party's financial preferences.

• Staging and Presentation – Optional but often worth it to maximize appeal.

• Repairs and Touch-Ups – Minor repairs or improvements can increase your home’s marketability.

• Closing Costs – These can include title fees, legal fees, and transfer taxes.

• Concessions (If Negotiated) – Some common examples are:

1. Closing Cost Assistance

• Sellers may agree to cover a portion of the buyer's closing costs, which can include fees for loan origination, title insurance, escrow, and appraisal fees. This is one of the most common concessions and can make a big difference for buyers trying to reduce upfront expenses.

2. Repairs or Credits for Repairs

• If an inspection reveals issues with the property, sellers might agree to either make repairs before closing or offer a credit toward repair costs. This is often negotiated after the home inspection and allows buyers to address issues without additional out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Interest Rate Buydown

• Sellers can help buyers secure a lower mortgage interest rate by covering some of the costs associated with buying down the rate, known as “points.” This can help reduce the buyer’s monthly payments over the life of the loan.

4. HOA Fees Pre-Payment

• If the property is in a community with a homeowners’ association, sellers might offer to cover a few months (or even a year) of HOA dues, reducing the buyer’s initial monthly expenses.

5. Home Warranty

• Sellers may offer to pay for a one-year home warranty for the buyer. This warranty typically covers major systems and appliances, giving the buyer peace of mind and protection against potential repair costs after they move in.

6. Property Tax Credits

• In some cases, sellers might offer credits toward property taxes, especially if they are prorated based on the sale date. This can be an attractive concession for buyers, as property taxes can be a considerable expense.

7. Assistance with Mortgage Insurance Premiums

• If the buyer is using a loan with private mortgage insurance (PMI), sellers may offer to pay a portion of the initial PMI premium, which can help reduce the buyer's upfront costs.

8. Prepaid Utilities or Other Fees

• Sellers may offer to pay for a few months of utilities, garbage collection, or other local fees. This is less common but can be helpful, particularly in competitive markets or if the home has higher-than-average utility costs.

9. Furniture or Appliances

• Sellers may agree to include certain furniture or appliances in the sale at no additional cost, helping buyers avoid purchasing items right after their move.

10. Landscaping or Lawn Care Services

• Some sellers offer to cover initial landscaping or lawn care, especially if the property has extensive grounds or if it’s being sold during a season where maintenance is crucial.

Need a more detailed estimate? Contact Us below for a customized Seller’s Net Sheet.