You’re sipping coffee at your sunny kitchen island in North Carolina, staring at the stack of paperwork on your counter. Your “For Sale” sign is in the yard, and the open house is this weekend. Then it hits you: how much is all of this actually going to cost?
Between prep, staging, realtor fees, and closing, it can feel like your dream of moving might drain your savings if you’re not prepared. But don’t panic! I’ve guided hundreds of sellers through this, and with a little planning, you’ll walk away smiling instead of stressed.
Understanding the costs of selling a home
In North Carolina, selling a home usually costs around 8–12% of the sale price, with an average of around 11.18%. That might sound steep, but breaking it down makes it manageable. Let’s look at an example:
- Selling a $350,000 home? Expect roughly $39,145 in selling costs
- Selling a $500,000 home? Around $55,921
- Selling a $750,000 home? You could pay $83,881
Of course, these numbers are estimates. Your actual costs will vary depending on your home’s condition, location, and the strategies you use to save money.
Here are some of the costs that make up this overall total:
Realtor commissions
Most sellers’ biggest expense is the real estate agent commission, which averages 5.47% in North Carolina. For example, for a home in Holly Springs with a price $380,000, the total commission might be $20,778.
Even though commissions are a large piece of the overall pie, working with an expert realtor is totally worth it (in my opinion, anyway!). A good agent ensures your home is marketed correctly, priced accurately, and sold at the best possible terms. They also handle inspections, negotiations, and paperwork, saving you stress and potential pitfalls.
You may also be interested in: Unlocking the Right Price: A Guide to Pricing Your Home
The costs of prepping your home for a sale
As we know, staging and presentation are key, since most buyers are naturally drawn to homes that feel move-in ready. Spending a little money on light upgrades before you list can boost your sale price. Here’s what some of those touch-ups could cost:
- Decluttering: $400 dumpster rental; DIY is cheaper
- Deep clean: $300 professional clean, or DIY (don’t skip baseboards, windows, and fans)
- Fresh paint: $2,000 professionally, or $200–$300 DIY (neutral shades appeal to the widest range of buyers)
- Curb appeal: Landscaping averages $3,700, and a neat exterior can add up to 7% in perceived value
- Home staging: $2,000 average; staged homes sell faster and often for more money
Depending on your home, prep costs typically add up to around 2–4% of your sale price, which is a worthwhile investment for faster offers and higher returns.
You may also be interested in: The 5 Most Common Seller Mistakes
Inspection and repair costs
A home inspection is almost always part of the process. Buyers may also request repairs, which can vary widely:
- Pre-listing inspection: Around $340 in NC
- Repairs: Light fixes might cost $1,000–$3,000; major updates will be more
You can negotiate what you cover. Sometimes, offering a credit instead of completing repairs keeps the sale moving without straining your budget.
Closing costs
Closing costs in North Carolina typically total 2.73% of your home’s sale price. They include:
- Seller concessions: 2% ($6,749 for a $337,457 home)
- Title insurance and fees: around 0.36% combined
- Transfer tax: ~0.2%
- Recording fees and prorated property taxes
- Optional attorney fees: $150–$400/hour
Some buyers may ask sellers to cover part of the closing costs. In competitive markets like Apex, sellers sometimes offer these incentives to make their homes more attractive.
Moving costs and remaining mortgage
Don’t forget the logistics: moving costs average $1,700–$4,382, depending on distance and services. And if you still have a mortgage, you’ll pay off the remaining balance at closing.
Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign
Knowing how much it costs to sell can make the process feel far less daunting. With careful planning, a savvy agent, and smart budgeting, you can sell your home confidently and keep more of your hard-earned equity in your pocket.
If you’re thinking about selling in Holly Springs, Apex, or Fuquay-Varina, reach out to me for a free home value estimate and personalized plan, and let’s make your next move as smooth as possible!
FAQ: Selling a home in North Carolina
How much does it cost to sell a home?
In North Carolina, it usually costs about 11% of your home’s sale price to sell. This includes realtor commissions (the largest expense), closing costs, home prep, staging, and moving. For example, if you sell your home for $350,000, you might spend around $39,000 in total costs.
Does a home seller have to pay closing costs?
Yes, sellers typically pay certain closing costs in North Carolina, such as agent commissions, title fees, and transfer taxes. Buyers also have their own closing costs, but sellers may agree to cover part of the buyer’s costs to help the deal go through.
How to calculate closing costs when selling a home?
Closing costs for sellers are usually 2–3% of the home’s sale price. To estimate, multiply your sale price by 0.027. For example, selling at $400,000 means about $10,800 in closing costs. Your realtor or closing attorney can provide a detailed breakdown before settlement.
What are the costs to sell a home?
The main costs of selling a home in North Carolina include:
- Realtor commissions (about 5–6%)
- Closing costs (about 2–3%)
- Home prep and staging (variable, often 1–4%)
- Repairs or concessions to buyers
- Moving expenses
Together, these usually add up to about 10–12% of your home’s sale price.
Can a home buyer ask the seller to pay closing costs?
Yes, buyers can ask sellers to help cover their closing costs. This is called a seller concession. Whether you agree depends on market conditions and your selling strategy. In a competitive market like Holly Springs or Apex, offering to pay part of a buyer’s closing costs can make your home stand out.