What costs come on top of the agent’s commission when I sell?

by Alessandra Imanabadi

By Alessandra Imanabadi · Nationwide Fine Homes

Ask for a property-specific estimate of what you will keep before deciding what to spend or where to move next.

The commission is only one part of the result. Mortgage payoff, escrow and title charges, transfer taxes, preparation, staging, negotiated credits and other closing adjustments can affect the proceeds.

Begin with the property and the contract

An escrow or title company can supply estimated charges, and your agent should connect those figures to your sale plan. Who pays particular items depends on the agreement; local custom is a starting point, not a rule that overrides it.

Transfer taxes can vary substantially by city. Two sellers with similarly priced homes can have very different closing costs because their properties are in different jurisdictions.

Include spending outside escrow

If you pay contractors before listing, that money still belongs in the overall calculation. A closing statement alone will not remind you what you already spent.

Understand what the agent’s service includes too: photography, marketing and, where appropriate, cinematic video. Do not assume the same fee buys the same work from every agent.

Preparation should be chosen for the home. A staging or improvement recommendation deserves an explanation of why that expense is likely to matter.

Your agent should show several realistic price outcomes, not only the most flattering one.

I would be pleased to help you understand the preparation, likely expenses and sale range for your property. You can use that picture to consider your next move before deciding whether to list.