Hidden Costs Home Sellers Forget

Quick overview

• Prep costs: Cleaning, paint, minor repairs, yardwork, and optional staging.
• Carrying costs during the listing: Utilities, lawn/pool service, HOA/condo dues, insurance adjustments.
• Transaction costs at the end: Title/escrow, taxes/municipal fees, potential credits to buyer, home warranty, and moving.

Common pre-listing expenses

• Deep clean: ~ $200.00–$400.00
• Paint/touch-ups: ~ $300.00–$1,200.00 (materials + labor varies)
• Minor repairs (fixtures, caulk, doors): ~ $200.00–$1,000.00
• Curb appeal (mulch, hedges, pressure wash): ~ $150.00–$600.00
• Professional photography: ~ $250.00–$400.00
• Optional staging: ~ $1,000.00–$3,000.00 (light staging) or $300.00–$600.00 per room

Tip: Prioritize fixes that show up in photos and during the first 60 seconds of a showing.

Carrying costs while listed

• Utilities (electric, water, internet): ~ $150.00–$300.00 per month
• Lawn/pool service: ~ $120.00–$250.00 per month (seasonal)
• HOA/condo dues: per your community (example: $250.00–$500.00 per month)
• Insurance: confirm if a vacancy or short-term rider is needed (could add ~ $25.00–$75.00 per month)
• Pest prevention or recurring cleaning: ~ $40.00–$120.00 per month

Transaction costs at closing

• Title, escrow/attorney, and recording: ~ $1,000.00–$2,200.00 (varies by state)
• Local/state transfer taxes: varies by location (flat fee or % of price)
• Prorations: property taxes, HOA dues, utilities through closing date
• Potential buyer credits or repair concessions: case-by-case
• Optional home warranty for buyer: ~ $450.00–$700.00
• Moving costs: truck + labor ~ $400.00–$2,000.00 depending on distance/size

Ask your agent or closing company for a seller net sheet to see these items for your address.

Example: $500,000.00 sale (illustrative)

This example assumes a typical single-family home that lists for $500,000.00 and goes pending in about 30 days.

Note: Agent compensation, mortgage payoff(s), and state/local transfer taxes are the largest variables and are not included above.

Keep learning

• Seller Resource Center
• Appraisal gaps & value issues
• What happens at closing
• Inspection & appraisal overview