What Are the Hidden Costs of Selling a Home?
What Are the Hidden Costs of Selling a Home?

Selling a house is an exciting process but it is not that easy as it seems. It requires a lot of effort and you can encounter a lot of problems. Whether you’re a first-time home seller or not, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. However, many first-time sellers are only concerned with the sale price, without realizing that there are hidden costs implied. Knowing these costs in advance can help you better prepare and avoid surprises.
Let’s dive into the most common hidden costs of selling a home so you can make informed decisions.
1. Closing Costs
These costs are not only for the buyer but also for the seller as well. These fees can be between 6% and 10% of your home’s sale price and include several aspects. Here’s a breakdown:
Agent Commissions
By far the largest expense, real estate agents usually from 5% to 6% of the listing price and this is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.
Title Insurance
It protects the buyer in case of disputes over ownership or adverse claims. The seller is most often required to pay for this expense.
Escrow Fees
These are fees paid to the escrow company for managing the money and papers during the transaction.
Transfer Taxes
In some states or municipalities, there are certain taxes that sellers have to pay when transferring the title of the property..
2. Repairs and Renovations
To attract buyers, sell quickly, and secure a good selling price it is advisable for sellers to make sure that they make some repairs or improvements to the house. These costs can quickly add up.
Pre-Sale Repairs
It is important to fix problems that include leaky faucets, broken walls or old fixtures so that the potential buyer is not put off.
Home Staging
Staging your home professionally will dramatically increase the chance of selling your home quickly, but it’s not cheap. It may cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000.
Major Repairs
In a home inspection, one may find issues such as roof damage or poor plumbing; in such cases, the sellers may be required to fix these before closing the sale.
3. Marketing Costs
Even with an agent, the sellers may need to spend on marketing of their home in order to get more buyers.
Professional Photography
To list the property online, the seller may need high-quality photos which can cost from $150 – $500. However, this cost is optional, and you can get rid of this cost by taking a picture using your cellphone.
Online Listings
Enhanced listings on platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com may involve some charges.
Print Materials
Flyers, brochures, or local advertisements can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars.
4. Taxes and Legal Fees
It is also important to note that there are legal requirements and taxes that you have to meet when selling a house.
Capital Gains Taxes
If your home has increased in value, you may have to pay taxes on your profits if you sell your home depending on how long you’ve owned it and your residency status.
Attorney Fees
Some states require an attorney to be involved in a sale transaction, and the fees can range from $500 to $1,500.
Prorated Property Taxes
It is also common for sellers to have to pay property taxes for the period in which the sellers lived in the home.
5. Moving Costs
Do not forget the cost of relocating out of your home after it has been sold. These can include:
- Professional Movers: It is even more expensive to engage movers who can charge between $1000 to $5000 depending on the distance to be covered and the size of the move.
- Storage Fees: It may be useful to store your possessions temporarily if you have not found your new house.
- Utility Transfers: Some utility providers also charge a certain amount of money for the disconnecting or transferring of services
Conclusion
Selling a home is a complicated process and it comes with more costs than many first-time sellers anticipate, from closing fees to repairs and moving expenses. These hidden costs can therefore lead to a situation where the process becomes complicated and hence stressful.
However, when you sell your house to Got Props, then you don’t have to go through all that. We are home buyers who buy houses for cash, thus relieving you from the stressful traditional methods of selling a home. Do you want to sell your home quickly and hassle-free?
Contact Got Props today for a fair cash offer and start your journey to a stress-free sale!