Home Sale Calculator
Calculate net cash from selling your home after all costs: commission, closing fees, mortgage payoff, transfer tax, and repairs.
FAQs
How is home sale net calculated?
Net proceeds = Sale price − Real estate commission (5-6%) − Closing costs (1-3%) − Mortgage payoff − Repairs/credits − Transfer tax. The exact percentages vary, but commission is typically the biggest expense (5-6% in most states).
What does it cost to sell a home?
Total seller costs typically 7-10% of sale price. Breakdown: Agent commission 5-6%, title/escrow fees 0.5-1%, transfer tax 0.5-2% (varies by state), home warranty 0.2-0.5%, prorated property tax, attorney fees (some states), staging/repair credits. On a $400K home: roughly $30,000-$40,000 in selling costs.
Do I pay capital gains tax on home sale?
Possibly. Section 121 of the tax code excludes up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 married filing jointly) if you owned AND used the home as primary residence for 2 of the past 5 years. Gain ABOVE the exclusion is long-term capital gains (0/15/20%). Investment properties or vacation homes don't qualify for the exclusion.
Is real estate commission negotiable?
Yes. After the 2024 NAR settlement, commissions are explicitly negotiable. Full-service traditional: 5-6%. Discount brokers (Redfin, Houwzer): 1-2.5%. Flat-fee MLS listing: $300-$1,500. For-sale-by-owner (FSBO): 0% commission but you handle everything yourself. Average savings on negotiating: 0.5-1.5%.
How can I increase my net proceeds?
(1) Negotiate lower commission. (2) Avoid major repairs unless return is clear. (3) Pre-list home inspection (catches issues before buyer's offer). (4) Time the sale for market peaks (spring/early summer typically best). (5) Compare offers — accept higher net (not just higher price) since fees vary. (6) Sell during the right tax year (over $250K gain? plan around capital gains exclusion timing).