When it’s time to sell your home, there are a lot of things that go into the process. You must decide on a price, hire a real estate agent, and prepare your home for the market.
But one of the most asked questions is: How much money do you keep after the sale?
In this article, we will break down the complete home selling process and tell you exactly how much money you can expect to walk away with in the end!
The Complete Guide to the Home Selling Process
Selling a Home: What Does it Entail?
The first thing to know is that you will have to pay several fees when you sell your home. These fees include the real estate agent’s commission, closing costs, and any outstanding mortgages or liens on the property.
These expenses usually total around ten percent of the home’s sale price. So, if you sell your home for $200,000, you can expect to pay approximately $20,000 in fees and commissions, which means you will keep the remaining $180,000.
Of course, this is just a general estimate. The amount of money you’ll get to keep after selling your home will depend on factors, including the home’s sale price and the type of mortgage you have.
Additionally, you may not get the full asking price of your home. In some cases, the buyer may ask for a “credit” towards closing costs or repairs, which means they will deduct that amount from the total sale price.
For example, if the buyer asks for a $5000 credit towards closing costs, you will only receive $195,000 from the sale of your home instead of the $200,000. You will then need to deduct all the fees.
Let’s break down each of these fees so that you have a better understanding of what you can expect to pay.
Real Estate Agent’s Commission
The realtor’s commission in California is typically around five to six percent of the final sale price. It is paid to the real estate agent who helped you sell your home.
For example, if your home sells for $100,000, you can expect to pay the agent $6000. You can try to negotiate this fee to get it reduced, which will depend on your relationship with your agent.
Home Repairs And Improvements
Any home repairs or improvements you make before putting your home on the market must be paid upfront. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
Landscaping
Another cost to consider is landscaping. If you plan on sprucing up your yard before selling it, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5000.
This cost can be worth it, as a well-landscaped home usually sells for more money than a home with an unappealing yard and entrance.
Home Staging and Cleaning
When selling your home, it’s essential to ensure it is clean and presentable. Home staging can help your home sell faster and for top dollar, typically costing between $500 and $2000.
Home Inspection
A home inspection is when a professional checks for any problems with your home. This is usually done before you put your home on the market. Home inspections typically cost between $300 and $500.
Utility Cost
If you plan on living in your home during the selling process, you will need to factor in the cost of utilities. This includes things like electricity, water, and gas. People often overlook these costs during the selling process, so be sure to budget for them accordingly.
Homeowner’s Insurance
You will also need to keep paying your homeowner’s insurance while your house is on the market. This typically costs between $500 and $1000 per year.
Photography and Videography
If you want to make your home look its best, you may want to hire a professional photographer or videographer. This can help your home stand out from the rest and attract more buyers. Photography and videography typically cost between $200 and $2000.
Moving and Closing Cost
You will need to factor in moving and closing costs. The cost of moving can get expensive, especially if hiring professional movers. The cost of closing depends on your state and type of loan.
Keep in mind that you may also have to pay taxes on the sale of your home. Capital gains taxes are typically due on any profit you make from the sale of your home, so it’s important to factor that into your calculations.
Avoid These Mistakes When Selling Your Home
Now that you know the costs associated with selling a home, you can avoid making these common mistakes:
- Not knowing how much your home is worth: Before putting your home on the market, get a professional evaluation. This will help you price your home correctly and avoid leaving money on the table.
- Being unprepared for the emotional roller coaster: Selling a home can be an emotional experience. From saying goodbye to your old memories to worrying about money, it’s essential to be prepared for the ups and downs.
- Trying to sell on your own: It’s possible to sell your home without the help of a real estate agent, but it’s not always the best idea. Without an expert on your side, you could miss out on crucial negotiating strategies and end up losing money.
- Expecting the asking price: All buyers negotiate, no matter how much they love your home. Be prepared to come down on your asking price and be open to compromise.
- Lacking patience: The home selling process can take time, so patience is important. Rushing into a sale could result in accepting a lower offer than your home is worth.
So, how much money do you keep after selling a home? It depends on all the factors listed above. However, you can typically expect roughly 70% to 80% of the sale price.
Remember that this does not include any money you put into the home regarding upgrades or repairs. It is simply the percentage of the sale price you get to keep after paying off the mortgage, real estate fees, and other associated costs.
Conclusion
A clear understanding of all the associated costs of selling a home will help prepare you when the time comes. Many of the fees and numbers listed above are just examples and can vary depending on the market you live in when selling.
Need professional help in selling your home? We would be happy to chat with you and answer any questions about the process. Give us a call today!
