Common Seller Costs

Every transaction is different, but these are some of the common costs sellers may see during the selling process.

Attorney and Settlement Fees

Real estate closings often include attorney or settlement-related fees. These may cover the work required to prepare documents, coordinate the closing, and properly record the transaction.

Common fees may include:

Settlement fee
This is paid to the settlement agent, escrow holder, or closing attorney for handling the closing process. Depending on the contract, this fee may be paid by the buyer, the seller, or negotiated between both parties.

Document preparation
This covers the preparation of legal documents needed for closing, such as the deed and other final paperwork.

Notary fee
Some closing documents must be signed and notarized. A notary verifies that the correct people signed the documents properly.

Attorney fees
Depending on the transaction, the buyer and seller may each have legal representation, or one attorney may handle certain closing responsibilities. Who pays for specific legal services depends on the contract and the details of the sale.

Recording fees
These are fees paid to legally record documents with the county. In many cases, the buyer pays to record the new deed and mortgage, but the final responsibility depends on the agreement between buyer and seller.

Taxes and Prorations

Revenue or Excise Tax

When property changes hands, there may be a revenue or excise tax based on the sale price. This is one of the standard costs sellers should be aware of when estimating their net proceeds.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are usually prorated at closing.

If you have already paid the property taxes for the year, the buyer may credit you for their portion from the closing date through the end of the year.

If taxes have not yet been paid, you may credit the buyer for your portion from the beginning of the year through the day of closing.

This is one of those items that can feel confusing on paper, but it is simply a way to make sure each party pays for the time they own the property.

Real Estate Commission

Real estate commission is typically one of the larger seller expenses. It is usually based on a percentage of the final sale price and is paid according to the listing agreement and the terms of the contract.

Because commission affects your bottom line, it should be discussed clearly before your home goes on the market. You should understand what is included, how your home will be marketed, and how your agent will help you position, negotiate, and move through the process.

Home Warranty

In some transactions, a buyer may ask the seller to provide a home warranty. A home warranty can help protect the buyer from certain unexpected costs related to major systems or appliances after closing.

Sometimes sellers choose to offer a warranty upfront as part of the listing strategy. Other times, it becomes part of the negotiation after an offer is received.

Whether it makes sense depends on your home, the market, and the terms of the offer.

HOA Transfer and Capital Contribution Fees

If your home is in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, there may be HOA-related fees when the property transfers to a new owner.

These may include transfer fees, capital contribution fees, statement fees, or other administrative costs. Some are typically paid by the buyer, some by the seller, and some may be negotiated.

It is helpful to identify these fees early and disclose them clearly so they do not slow down the transaction later.

Why These Costs Matter

Knowing your selling costs helps you make smarter decisions throughout the process.

It can affect:

• Your pricing strategy

• Your estimated net proceeds

• How you compare multiple offers

• Whether a buyer’s requested concessions make sense

• How you respond to repair requests

• How much flexibility you have during negotiations

The highest offer is not always the best offer. Terms matter. Timing matters. Seller-paid costs, warranties, repairs, and closing details can all change what you actually walk away with.

Helping You See the Full Picture

At Ivy & Trellis, we help sellers in Waxhaw and Union County look beyond the list price and understand the full selling picture.

Before you list, we can help you think through likely costs, preparation expenses, pricing strategy, possible concessions, and what you may expect to net from the sale.

Selling your home is a big decision. You deserve clear guidance, honest numbers, and a plan that helps you move forward with confidence.

Thinking About Selling?

If you are preparing to sell your home in Waxhaw or Union County, we would be glad to help you understand the process, estimate your potential costs, and create a plan that makes sense for your home.