Home Seller Closing Cost Calculator

Average Buyer’s Agent Fee: $12,375

In the past, tradition dictated that sellers cover both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent commissions. However, following a court settlement by the National Association of Realtors, buyers are now required to negotiate compensation directly with their own agents. And while you now have the option not to pay the buyer’s agent, most sellers still do.

According to a recent nationwide HomeLight survey, 92% of agents say home sellers in their markets are still covering the buyer’s agent commission. The current national average is about 2.75% of a home’s selling price.

If you’re offering to pay this fee to attract buyers, you can expect to pay about $12,375 on a $450,000 median-priced home.

An Example Set of Closing Costs: $8,100

Closing costs in the U.S. average about 1.8% of a home’s sale price, not including agent commissions. On a median-priced home of $450,000, you might pay $8,100. In states with a transfer tax, the percentage can be higher. Below are some of the typical closing costs you can expect:

• Home Preparations: Curb appeal improvements, such as cleaning, landscaping,  power washing, or home staging.
• Renovations or Repairs: Fixing or updating your home and fixtures to meet buyer expectations or inspection requests.
• Title Service Fees: Required services handled by a title company to verify legal ownership of the home and manage the official transfer of the property.
• Owner’s Title Insurance: A one-time insurance premium paid at closing to protect the buyer from title disputes. Depending on the state, this fee may be paid by the seller, the buyer, or split between both parties.
• Transfer Taxes: Also known as a conveyance, deed, documentary, or stamp tax, this fee is not charged in all states. It can range from 1%–3.6% of the home’s purchase price or higher, especially if you’re paying a combined state, city, or county fee.
• Recording Fees: Fees paid to the local government to legally record the change in homeownership.
• Buyer Incentives: Credits or seller concessions you might offer potential buyers, such as covering their Realtor fees or offering to fund a mortgage interest rate buydown.
• Other Miscellaneous Costs: Expenses not covered in other categories, such as attorney fees and HOA transfers. Some states require a real estate attorney at closing.
• Moving Expenses: While this is not technically a closing cost, as a seller, you might want to include it in your planning budget. According to Angi, the national average to pay a professional mover is $1,710, with a typical range of $882–$2,566. The high end for longer moves can be as much as $11,595.