This is a big one.
How much is this actually going to cost?
Most sellers land somewhere between 6% and 10% of the sale price.
Here’s where it goes.
1. Real Estate Commission
Usually 2.5%–3% of the sale price for the listing agent and 2%-2.5.% for the buyer agent. These are always negotiable.
That covers marketing, negotiation, and managing the entire transaction.
2. Transfer Tax (Massachusetts Stamp Tax)
$4.56 per $1,000 of sale price.
It’s standard across the state.
3. Attorney Fees
Typically $800–$1,500.
Massachusetts uses attorneys for closings.
4. Prep and Repair Costs
This varies.
Paint, cleaning, landscaping, small fixes.
Usually $1,000 to $10,000+, depending on condition.
5. Seller Concessions
Sometimes part of negotiations.
Credits or repairs.
Not always required, but it comes up.
6. Mortgage Payoff
If you have one, it gets paid at closing.
7. Capital Gains Tax
Not everyone pays this.
Depends on how long you’ve owned the home and your profit.
Always worth checking with a tax professional.
8. Optional Costs
- Staging
- Pre-listing inspection
- Photography (usually covered by your agent)
9. What This Looks Like
On a $700K home, you might see:
- Commission
- Transfer tax
- Attorney
- Prep costs
Rough range… $40K–$60K+ depending on the situation.
10. What Actually Matters
Not the sale price.
What you walk away with.
That’s your number.
FAQ: Selling Costs
Do sellers always pay commission?
Usually, yes.
Are closing costs high?
Moderate.
Can I reduce costs?
Yes, with the right strategy.
Should I estimate ahead of time?
Absolutely.
Final Thoughts
Selling isn’t just about price.
It’s about your net.
If you want a clear breakdown of what you’d walk away with, I can map that out for you.
Susan Gorden Ryan
Real Estate Agent in Mattapoisett, MA
susangordenryan.com
