Selling
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House?
By David Golovin · September 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Selling a home costs 6 to 10 percent of the sale price in most markets. Agent commissions are the largest line item and fully negotiable under NAR rules.
| Cost | Typical range | On $400k sale |
|---|---|---|
Listing agent commission Negotiable per NAR rules | 1 - 3% | $4,000 - $12,000 |
Buyer agent compensation Set in buyer rep agreement | 0 - 3% | $0 - $12,000 |
Transfer taxes and fees Varies by state and county | 0.1 - 2% | $400 - $8,000 |
Title and escrow Typical seller share | 0.5 - 1% | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Repairs and credits Depends on inspection results | 0 - 2% | $0 - $8,000 |
Staging (optional) One-time cost | Flat fee | $500 - $3,000 |
Commissions are negotiable. Per NAR settlement rules effective August 2024, buyer agent compensation is set in the buyer representation agreement and is not set by the seller by default.
What the NAR settlement changed
Since August 2024, buyer agent compensation is set in the buyer representation agreement, not by the seller. Sellers no longer automatically offer a buyer agent split, though they can choose to.
FAQ
How much does it cost to sell a house?
Total selling costs typically run 6 to 10 percent of the sale price, depending on agent commissions, transfer taxes, title fees, and any repair credits you agree to. On a $400,000 home that is $24,000 to $40,000.
Do sellers pay closing costs?
Sellers pay their own closing costs: transfer taxes, their share of title fees, and any fees their attorney charges. Buyer closing costs are the buyer responsibility, though sellers sometimes offer credits.
How can I reduce the cost to sell my house?
The biggest lever is the listing agent commission. Commissions are fully negotiable. Roots lists homes for a 1% listing fee instead of the typical 3%, keeping more of your sale proceeds.