The True Cost of Selling a House (Commissions, Taxes & Fees Explained)
Most homeowners focus on what their house will sell for — but the truth is, it’s not what you sell it for that matters.
It’s what you actually keep. 💰
At The Novak Team, we talk with homeowners every week who are surprised to learn how many costs come out of their sale proceeds. Commissions, taxes, title, escrow — the list adds up quickly, and if you don’t plan ahead, you can lose thousands at closing.
Here’s an honest breakdown of the true cost of selling a home in Snohomish County, so you know exactly what to expect before you list.
Why Understanding Seller Costs Matters
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make. Too many sellers focus on the sales price instead of their net proceeds — the amount that actually hits your bank account after every deduction.
Without a clear picture of your costs upfront, you’re negotiating blind. You could accept an offer thinking you’re in great shape, only to find out at closing that you’ve lost tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected fees or taxes.
That’s why we give every seller a detailed net proceeds sheet before we even list the home — so you can plan, budget, and negotiate confidently.
The Real Costs of Selling a Home in Washington
1. Title and Escrow Fees
These fees cover the neutral third parties that manage funds and paperwork during your transaction.
In Snohomish County, they typically range from $1,000 – $2,000, depending on your home’s value and the title company you choose.
2. Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
This one surprises most sellers.
Washington State charges sellers a tiered excise tax starting at 1.1 % of the sales price, increasing for higher-priced properties. It’s paid directly from your sale proceeds at closing, so it’s essential to factor it in early.
3. Real Estate Commissions
Commissions in Snohomish County usually range from 5 – 6 %, split between the listing and buyer’s agents.
This covers not just marketing, photography, and showings, but also pricing strategy, negotiations, and risk management throughout the deal.
Like any profession, experience and results matter — seasoned agents with proven marketing systems often deliver higher sale prices that more than offset their fee.
4. Property-Tax Prorations
Sellers owe their share of annual property taxes up to the closing date.
It’s not an additional fee, but it does reduce your net if you weren’t expecting it.
5. Home Prep, Repairs & Staging
While not a line item on your closing statement, these costs can directly impact your bottom line.
Investing $500 – $2,000 in cleaning, light repairs, and professional staging can significantly increase your sale price and shorten time on market.
Why Commissions Aren’t the Whole Story
It’s easy to focus only on commissions when comparing agents — but that’s like judging a restaurant by the tip instead of the meal.
A skilled agent with a strategic marketing plan can attract more qualified buyers, negotiate stronger offers, and prevent costly inspection or contract issues.
In short, a great agent doesn’t cost you money — they protect it.
How to Calculate Your True Net
We recommend every seller review these three numbers before listing:
Estimated sale price (based on comparable sales)
Estimated costs of sale (commissions, taxes, fees)
Estimated mortgage payoff
Your net proceeds = sale price – (total costs + loan balance).
Knowing this number upfront gives you clarity and confidence when it’s time to negotiate.
No More Surprises at Closing
At The Novak Team, we walk every seller through their numbers from day one.
Our goal is simple — no surprises at the closing table.
If you’re even thinking about selling in the next few months, we’ll prepare a personalized seller net-sheet consultation so you can see exactly what your home is worth and what you’ll walk away with — before spending a dime.
👉 Schedule your free 30-minute consultation