What are common seller closing costs in 2026?

Sellers typically pay between 1% and 3% of the sale price in closing costs, excluding commissions. These costs include title insurance, escrow fees, state and county transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes.

What is the typical real estate commission for sellers?

National averages for real estate commissions typically fall between 5% and 6% of the home's sale price. This fee usually covers both the listing and buyer agent services, though it is negotiable.

How can I maximize my net proceeds when selling a home?

To maximize net proceeds, sellers should focus on accurate pricing to avoid long carry costs, targeted digital marketing to attract high-intent buyers, and strategic ROI upgrades like staging and curb appeal.

The True Cost of Selling a House — What Every Homeowner Should Know in 2026

by The Borowski Group

The Borowski Group | February 2026

Seller’s Net Sheet Analysis

The True Cost of Selling: Protecting Your Bottom Line

Introduction

Selling a home is a major financial decision. Many homeowners focus first on the listing price—but total selling costs can significantly affect how much you actually walk away with at the end of the day.

Understanding the full scope of real estate fees and closing costs in 2026 helps you plan effectively, negotiate with confidence, and protect your net proceeds at the closing table.

1. Real Estate Commissions

Traditionally, commissions make up the largest share of selling costs. National averages typically land between 5% and 6% of the sale price, covering professional marketing, negotiation, and legal transaction management.

Example: On a $400,000 sale, a 5.5% commission amounts to roughly $22,000.

2. Seller Closing Costs

Beyond commissions, sellers generally pay between 1% and 3% of the sale price in transaction fees, which include:

✔ Title Insurance & Escrow Fees
✔ State/County Transfer & Recording Taxes
✔ Prorated Property Taxes & HOA Dues

3. Preparation & Moving

Don't overlook out-of-pocket costs that occur before and after the sale:

Pre-Sale Repairs: Investing in staging or curb appeal to attract stronger offers.
Logistics: Moving expenses, storage units, and interim housing costs.
Seller Concessions: Potential credits to buyers for repairs found during inspection.