What Are the Costs of Selling Your Home Traditionally?

By Bryan Suarez, Local Real Estate Agent Serving Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Surrounding Areas

Selling your home is an exciting step, but understanding the true costs involved can help you plan wisely and avoid surprises. As your trusted South Orange County real estate resource, I’m here to break down the expenses you might encounter when selling your home the traditional way.

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions

This is typically the biggest chunk of the cost. Commissions are always negotiable and could range from 1-3.5%. With the new changes regarding commissions, the buyer and buyer's agent will need to negotiate the fees on their end prior to going out to tour homes. In the market we are in, we are seeing buyers requesting assistance to help pay for the fee within the offer they write. So expect that to range in the 1-3% range.

2. Closing Costs

Sellers are also responsible for certain closing costs, which usually range from 1-1.5% of the sale price. These might include:

• Title insurance 

• Escrow fees

• Transfer taxes (set by the county or city)

• HOA fees

• Recording fees

• Natural hazard disclosures (especially important here in OC with our hillsides and earthquake zones!)

3. Repairs and Home Preparation

While not always required, pre-listing repairs and upgrades can make a big difference in your final sale price. Fresh paint, landscaping, and staging typically cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what’s needed. I can help go over where the best bang for your buck will be.

Related: Should You Sell As-Is or Renovate? A Homeowner’s Guide for Orange County

4. Seller Concessions

Sometimes buyers request for a credit toward closing costs or repairs. But it's just that - a request. So you can decline, but the buyer may decide to walk. So depending on the cost of the request, it would add to your bottom-line expenses if you agree to it.

5. Moving Costs

Don’t forget about your own moving expenses! Whether you’re hiring a professional mover or renting a truck, it’s an expense you’ll need to plan for—often around $1,000-$5,000 depending on the size of your move.

Final Thoughts
Putting your home on the open market is often the best way to maximize your return, but it does come with costs that can eat into your net proceeds. If you’d like a personalized estimate of what you’d walk away with after expenses, reach out today—I’d love to guide you through the process and ensure you get top dollar for your South OC home!

Call, text or email me!

-Bryan

📞 (949) 522-7502
📧 [email protected] 

Bryan Suarez Real Estate | Top Realtor in Mission Viejo, Orange County