Selling A House: A Breakdown of Expenses

By: ROS Team

Share the Post:

Selling a house can be an exciting and stressful experience. On the one hand, it can be a great opportunity to move on to the next chapter of your life and potentially make a profit on your investment.

On the other hand, there are many costs and expenses involved in the process that can take a chunk out of your profits or even result in a loss.

In this blog, we will break down the various expenses you can expect to incur when selling a house, including commissions, closing costs, and repairs. Understanding these costs beforehand can help you budget for the sale of your home and make informed decisions about the sale process.

Cost of Selling a House

The cost of selling a house in New York City can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the location, size, and condition of the property, as well as the state of the real estate market at the time of the sale.

In general, however, sellers can expect to pay a number of expenses in the process of selling their home, including:

1. Closing Costs
2. Agent’s Commission
3. Repairs and Renovations
4. Marketing and Advertising Expenses

Closing Costs

Closing costs are fees and expenses that are incurred in the process of completing the sale of a property. They are separate from the purchase price of the property and are paid at the time of closing, which is when the property changes hands and the sale is finalized.

Closing Costs
Photo Credit: Canva

 

Examples of Closing Costs can Include:

  • Attorney Fees
  • Loan Origination Fees
  • Appraisal Fees
  • Title Insurance
  • Survey Fees
  • Recording Fees
  • Transfer Taxes

 

It’s important to note that the specific closing costs for the seller will vary depending on the details of the sale and the property’s location. It’s a good idea for sellers to work with a real estate agent and/or a closing attorney to understand all the costs they can expect to pay at closing.

Agent’s Commission

The commission that is paid to real estate agents is typically a percentage of the sale price of the property. The exact percentage can vary, but it is usually between 5% and 7%.

Agent Commission
Photo Credit: Canva

 

For example, if a house sells for $500,000 and the commission is 6%, the total commission paid would be $30,000. This commission is typically split evenly between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, so each agent would receive $15,000 in this case.

It’s important to note that the commission percentage is negotiable, and the seller and their agent can agree on a different rate if they choose.

Some agents may be willing to accept a lower commission in exchange for a higher volume of business or to make the property more attractive to potential buyers. It’s a good idea for sellers to shop around and compare commission rates from different agents before choosing one to work with.

Repairs and Renovations

Sellers may choose to make repairs and renovations to their home before putting it on the market in order to increase its value and appeal to potential buyers.

However, these repairs and renovations can be costly, and it’s important for sellers to carefully consider whether they are worth the investment.

Repairs and Renovations of House
Photo Credit: Canva

 

Some common repairs and renovations that sellers may consider include:

1. Fixing any Structural Issues or Major Defects

These can include problems with the foundation, roof, or plumbing. These types of repairs can be expensive, but they are often necessary in order to sell the house.

2. Updating the Kitchen and Bathrooms

These are two of the most important rooms in a house, and updating them can significantly increase the value of the property. This can include things like installing new countertops, cabinets, and appliances or updating the fixtures and finishes.

3. Repainting

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of a home, and it can be a relatively inexpensive way to update the look.

4. Landscaping

Updating the landscaping can improve the curb appeal of the house and make it more attractive to potential buyers. This can include things like adding plants, mulching, and installing a new lawn.

The cost of repairs and renovations will depend on the scope of the work and the materials used. It’s a good idea for sellers to get estimates from multiple contractors before making any decisions and to prioritize repairs and renovations based on their potential impact on the value of the home.

In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to leave certain repairs or renovations for the new owner to handle.

Marketing and Advertising Expenses

Marketing and advertising expenses are costs that are incurred in order to promote and advertise the sale of a property. These expenses can vary depending on the specifics of the sale and the marketing strategies that are used.

Marketing and Advertising Expenses
Photo Credit: Canva

 

Some Common Marketing and Advertising Expenses for Sellers Include:

1- Real Estate Agent Fees

Many sellers choose to work with a real estate agent to handle the marketing and advertising of their homes. Agents typically charge a commission, which is a percentage of the sale price, to handle these tasks.

2- Professional Photography and Videography

High-quality photos and videos can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers to the property. Some agents offer these services as part of their commission, while others charge extra.

3- Marketing Materials

This can include things like brochures, flyers, and postcards that feature photos and information about the property. These materials can be distributed to potential buyers or used in online advertising campaigns.

4- Online Advertising

This can include things like paid listings on real estate websites, social media ads, and Google AdWords campaigns. The cost of online advertising can vary depending on the platform and the target audience.

5- Open Houses

Some sellers choose to host open houses in order to give potential buyers a chance to see the property in person. This can be a good way to generate interest, but it can also be time-consuming and costly if refreshments or other amenities are provided.

It’s a good idea for sellers to work with their real estate agents to develop a marketing and advertising plan that fits their budget and target audience. It may also be helpful to compare the costs and benefits of different marketing strategies before making any decisions.

So, What’s the Cost of Selling a House in NYC?

It’s difficult to give an average cost of selling a house in New York City, as the expenses will vary depending on the specifics of the sale. However, sellers expect to pay 6%–7% of a home’s final sale price. which means if you are selling the property for $500,000, you need to pay something between $30,000 and $35,000.