The Hidden Costs of Selling a Home—And How to Keep More Money in Your Pocket

What Are the Real Costs of Selling a Home?

Most sellers don’t realize that closing costs aren’t just for buyers—sellers have their own set of expenses. While a traditional agent may not provide this upfront, Quo ensures you know exactly where every dollar goes.

Here’s what to expect on your closing statement:

1. Escrow Fees – The Cost of Managing Your Transaction

Escrow companies act as a neutral third party, ensuring that all funds and documents are properly handled before closing. These fees are usually split between buyer and seller but can range from $1,000 to $4,500 or more, depending on your home’s price and location.

2. Title Fees – Transferring Your Home’s Ownership

Title insurance protects both the buyer and lender from ownership disputes or unpaid liens. As a seller, you’re typically responsible for purchasing a title insurance policy, which can cost $1,500 to $5,000.

3. County and City Transfer Taxes – A Cost You Can’t Avoid

Many counties and cities charge a real estate transfer tax when a property is sold. In California, this typically costs $1.10 per $1,000 of the home’s sale price, but some cities—like San Francisco—charge significantly more.

4. Agent Commissions – The Biggest Expense You’ll Pay

Traditional listing agents charge 3% of the home’s sale price, and buyer’s request that the seller also pick up the cost of the buyer’s representation, which traditional buyer’s agents charge another 3%. The majority of buyers do not want to pay a representative out of pocket and most will walk away from purchasing your home if they can’t or won’t front a compensation for their agent. If this is your case, then on a $800,000 home, this means you could pay up to $48,000 in commissions alone.

If you’re saying, I’d rather search for a flat fee broker near me that could charge less, it is not an easy task. However, Quo offers an alternative since we have negotiated terms for lower agent fees with our partners. Our flat-fee agents provide full-service representation for a fraction of traditional commission costs, keeping more money in your pocket.

5. Home Preparation & Repairs – Costs You May Overlook

Even before closing, you may need to invest in:

• Pre-sale or Buyer negotiated repairs or updates ($1,000 - $10,000)
• Staging costs ($500 - $3,000)
• Professional photography & marketing ($200 - $1,500)

Quo’s partner agents guide you through which repairs and improvements actually matter, so you don’t waste money on unnecessary upgrades. We like to suggest you get your own home inspection and handle repairs in advance if possible, since so many deals fall apart after the buyer’s inspection.

6. Mortgage Payoff & Prorated Property Taxes

If you still have a mortgage, the payoff amount will be deducted from your proceeds at closing. You’ll also need to cover prorated property taxes, which vary based on your local tax rate.

7. Additional Fees That Add Up

Beyond the major costs, sellers may also pay:

• HOA transfer fees - if applicable ($250 - $1,000)
• Pest or home inspection fees ($300 - $800)
• Other inspections like roof, mold, etc (if applicable) ($500 - $2,000)

Why Most Agents Don’t Provide a Closing Cost Estimate (And Why Quo Does)

Most sellers never see a breakdown of their closing costs until they receive their final settlement statement—often days before closing. Traditional agents rarely take the time to walk sellers through these fees in advance.

At Quo, we do things differently.

• Full Transparency – Our partner agents provide a cost of selling your house calculator upfront, so you always know what to expect.
• Automated Closing Cost Breakdown – We integrate all fees into a shared, automated framework that keeps both you and your agent informed.
• Guidance Every Step of the Way – From the moment you list your home, Quo ensures you have a clear roadmap with no financial surprises at closing.

Keep More of Your Profit With Quo’s Flat-Fee Agents

If you’re searching for a flat fee broker near you**,** Quo offers an affordable alternative to traditional high-commission agents.

• Full-Service Listing Representation at a flat fee
• Accurate Cost Estimates upfront
• Automated Transaction Transparency so you always know what’s happening

Selling your home doesn’t have to be expensive—or confusing. Find out exactly what you’ll walk away with before you list.