Most sellers focus on the sale price, but the real number that matters is your net proceeds — what you actually walk away with after all costs. Here's a breakdown of every expense you might encounter when selling a house.
Agent Commissions: 5-6%
The biggest cost for most sellers. On a $300,000 home, that's $15,000-$18,000. This is split between the listing agent and buyer's agent. If you sell directly to a cash buyer, this cost is eliminated entirely.
Closing Costs: 1-3%
Closing costs include title insurance, transfer taxes, recording fees, attorney fees, and escrow charges. On a $300,000 home, expect $3,000-$9,000. Some cash buyers (like SimpleClose) cover closing costs for you.
Repairs and Staging: $5,000-$20,000+
To sell on the open market, most homes need at least cosmetic repairs. Buyers' inspections often lead to additional repair requests. Staging costs $2,000-$5,000. Major issues (roof, HVAC, foundation) can cost $10,000-$30,000+.
Mortgage Payments While Listed: $1,000-$3,000/month
Every month your house is on the market, you're still paying the mortgage, insurance, utilities, and property taxes. If it takes 4-6 months to sell, that's $4,000-$18,000 in carrying costs.
Total Cost Example
For a $300,000 home sold with an agent: $15,000 (commission) + $6,000 (closing costs) + $8,000 (repairs) + $6,000 (carrying costs) = $35,000 in total costs. Your net: $265,000.
With a cash offer from SimpleClose, your costs are $0 in commissions, $0 in closing costs, $0 in repairs, and minimal carrying costs (close in 7-14 days). What we offer is what you get.