Top 5 Common Costs Involved When Selling Your Home

If you’ve decided it’s time to sell your home, congratulations! Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or finally moving to that dream cottage with a porch swing and zero lawn to mow, there’s one thing you should know: selling your home isn’t exactly free.

Sure, you might walk away with a nice check at the end, but before that glorious moment, there are a few costs you’ll want to budget for so you’re not surprised when they pop up like dandelions in the yard you just weeded.

So, you’re probably ready for us to answer the question of, “What costs are involved in selling my home?” Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses you may encounter when selling your home.

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions

Let’s start with the biggie. Real estate agents typically earn a commission for marketing, negotiating, and guiding your home sale from start to finish. In many cases, the total commission is around 5–6% of the sale price (split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents).

Think of it this way: you’re paying for experience, marketing savvy, and someone to keep the deal on track—plus, having a pro handle negotiations can save you from those awkward “your wallpaper is ugly” conversations.

2. Repairs and Improvements

You may love that slightly squeaky floorboard in the hallway—it’s part of your home’s “charm”—but buyers may see it as “one more thing to fix.”

Budget for:

• Touch-up painting or a full repaint if your walls have seen better days.
• Fixing leaky faucets, loose cabinet doors, or that mystery light switch no one’s figured out.
• Possibly upgrading outdated fixtures or replacing worn carpet.

Pro tip: Even small repairs can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home’s value.

3. Staging Costs

Staging is like putting your home in its best outfit for a big date—it helps buyers picture themselves living there. This could mean anything from bringing in a professional stager to simply rearranging furniture and adding a few decor touches.

Typical staging costs can range from a few hundred dollars for consultations to several thousand for full-home staging. But the payoff? Staged homes often sell faster and for more money.

Dani Beyer Real Estate Perk: When you sell your home with Dani Beyer Real Estate, we provide professional staging advice and, if needed, staging itself for all of our clients.

4. Closing Costs

Yes, sellers have closing costs too. These can include:

• Title insurance
• Escrow fees
• Transfer taxes (depending on your location)
• Attorney fees (if applicable)

In Kansas City, seller closing costs often total 1–3% of the sale price—and sometimes, you may be asked to contribute to the buyer’s closing costs as part of negotiations.

5. Moving Expenses

Ah, the joy of packing boxes and discovering that you own three crockpots. Whether you hire professional movers or rent a truck and bribe your friends with pizza and beer, there are still costs involved.

Plan for:

• Moving company fees (can vary widely depending on distance and services)
• Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and maybe a stress ball)
• Storage fees if there’s a gap between closing and move-in at your new place

While it’s exciting to think about what you’ll net from your home sale, it’s smart to prepare for these expenses in advance. Having a realistic budget ensures you won’t be caught off guard—and it can help you make strategic decisions that ultimately put more money in your pocket.

If you’re ready to sell and want a clear picture of what your unique costs might be, let’s connect. I can give you a customized breakdown based on your home, your timeline, and your goals—no surprise fees, just honest guidance (and maybe a few more moving jokes).