The Hidden Costs of Selling (and How to Prepare for Them)

By Tina Curtis, REALTOR® | Interior Designer

When you think about selling your home, you probably focus on the profit—and rightfully so.
But while selling can be lucrative, it’s important to be aware that the process comes with hidden costs that can catch many homeowners off-guard if they aren’t prepared.

The good news? When you work with the right professional (👋), you’ll go into your sale with open eyes, a clear strategy, and no surprises.
Let's break down the real costs of selling—so you can plan smartly and protect your bottom line.

The Most Common Costs Sellers Face

Selling a home involves more than just handing over the keys. Here are the main financial factors to account for:

1️⃣ Real Estate Commission

💬 What it is:
Typically 5–6% of the final sale price, split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent.

💬 Why it matters:
This is an investment in your success. A skilled agent (like me!) doesn't just put your home on the MLS—we market strategically, negotiate fiercely, and manage your transaction start to finish, often yielding a higher sales price than DIY listings.

✨ Think of commission as paying for maximum exposure, negotiation expertise, and project management—not just for access to buyers.

2️⃣ Closing Costs

💬 What they are:
Sellers typically pay 1–3% of the home’s sale price in closing costs, which may include:

• Title insurance

• Escrow fees

• Transfer taxes

• Recording fees

• Attorney fees (if applicable)

💬 Why they matter:
While buyers often cover most escrow fees, depending on your location and negotiation, sellers still shoulder a meaningful chunk of transaction costs.

3️⃣ Home Prep Costs

💬 What they are:
This includes anything you invest in to get your home “market ready,” such as:

• Professional staging

• Deep cleaning

• Landscaping touch-ups

• Cosmetic repairs (paint, fixtures, flooring refresh)

💬 Why they matter:
Today’s buyers shop with their eyes first. Homes that look polished and move-in ready sell faster—and often for significantly more. A little investment upfront often produces a big return.

🎯 My Approach: I help sellers prioritize only the updates that will maximize their ROI, saving you money and energy.

4️⃣ Inspection Negotiations and Repairs

💬 What they are:
Most buyers will conduct inspections after going under contract. Depending on findings, you may be asked to:

• Repair specific issues

• Offer repair credits

• Renegotiate pricing

💬 Why they matter:
Smart sellers get ahead of this by doing pre-listing inspections or at least tackling visible maintenance items early—helping to preserve your negotiating power when it counts.

🛠️ Preparation reduces surprises—and protects your leverage.

5️⃣ Moving Expenses and Transition Costs

💬 What they are:
The costs of moving out include:

• Professional movers or truck rentals

• Temporary storage

• Short-term rentals if you need a gap between closings

• Utility transfers and deposits

💬 Why they matter:
Planning your move timeline carefully prevents last-minute scrambling—and unplanned costs like rush storage or multiple moves.

How I Help Sellers Prepare Financially

When we work together, I’ll create a Net Proceeds Estimate at the beginning of your journey.
This document outlines:

• Your estimated selling price

• Projected expenses (commissions, closing costs, repairs)

• Moving and transition estimates

• Your expected bottom-line proceeds after the sale

This clarity helps you:

• Budget accurately for your next purchase

• Plan your move strategically

• Feel confident and empowered every step of the way

Hidden Costs Shouldn’t Be Scary—They Should Be Strategized

You deserve a selling experience that’s planned, polished, and profitable.
No surprises. No regrets. Just results.

Curious what your bottom line could look like in today’s market? Let’s connect for a Custom Seller Strategy Session.

→ Schedule Your Personalized Net Proceeds Review with Tina Curtis.