How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Virginia? What Sellers Actually Net

The Sale Price Isn't the Check You Get

When sellers ask what it costs to sell a house in Virginia, they usually mean one thing: how much will I walk away with? The answer is your sale price minus your mortgage payoff and all of the costs of selling.

This guide explains each of those costs in general terms and walks through an example. For a line-by-line look at settlement itself, see my companion guide on closing costs when selling a house in Virginia. This guide is part of my step-by-step guide to selling a house in Virginia.

Real Estate Commission

Commission is typically the largest selling cost. It's negotiable, and your listing agreement and purchase contract determine it. I'll explain exactly what you're paying for and what's included before you sign anything. If you're comparing lower-fee options, my guide to selling with Redfin vs. a local agent looks at the net, not just the rate.

Seller Closing Costs

Settlement can include items like transfer and recording taxes, a settlement or closing fee, deed preparation, release of your mortgage lien, prorated property taxes and any HOA dues or transfer fees. Your purchase contract determines who pays which items, and your title company or closing attorney will show exactly who pays what.

For a line-by-line look at each of these settlement items and what to ask about them, see my guide to closing costs when selling a house in Virginia. This page stays focused on the bottom line: what you actually net.

Your Mortgage Payoff

Your payoff isn't the same as the balance on your last statement. It includes interest through the payoff date and any other amounts owed to the lender. The settlement agent requests an official payoff before closing. If you have a home equity loan or line of credit, that's paid off too.

Prep, Repairs and Concessions

Money spent getting the house ready, repairs negotiated after inspection, and any help you agree to give the buyer with their closing costs all reduce your net. Buyers in Hampton Roads often ask for seller concessions, especially on VA and FHA loans, and it's a common part of negotiation.

That's why I compare offers on net, not just price. A slightly lower offer with no concession request can leave you with more. My guide to preparing your home to sell explains how to keep prep spending in check.

Costs People Forget

Carrying costs while the home is for sale, like mortgage payments, utilities, insurance and lawn care. Moving and storage. Possible home warranty coverage offered to the buyer. And, depending on your situation, capital gains taxes, which a tax professional can explain.

Example: Estimating Seller Net Proceeds

Here's a simplified, made-up example to show how the math works. To be conservative, it uses the most commission (6%) and seller concessions (3%) are likely to be. Both are negotiable and can vary, and your actual amounts may be lower.

Run Your Own Numbers

My seller net proceeds calculator lets you plug in your own price, payoff and costs to estimate your bottom line in a minute. It's the quickest way to see whether selling now makes sense.

Pricing has the biggest effect on that number, so read how to price your home too.

Get a Personal Net Sheet

As your listing agent, I'll prepare an estimated net sheet based on your home's likely price and your payoff, and update it as offers come in so you always know your bottom line.

Reach out to me and I'll put real numbers together for your home.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Every sale is different, so confirm costs, disclosure duties and contract terms with your closing attorney, title company or tax professional before you make decisions.