One of the biggest questions sellers ask is, "How much will I actually walk away with after selling my home?" While most homeowners focus on their home's sale price, the reality is that several expenses come out of the proceeds before you receive your final check. Understanding the cost of selling a house can help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions throughout the process.

This guide breaks down the most common expenses New Hampshire homeowners encounter when selling. While every transaction is unique, these are the costs most sellers should expect.


Real Estate Commission

The Largest Selling Expense

For most sellers, the largest expense is the real estate commission.

The commission is typically negotiated when you hire a REALTOR® and is usually paid from the proceeds at closing. In many cases, the commission covers both the listing agent and the buyer's agent.

Typical Costs

☐ Commission rates vary by brokerage and agreement

☐ The fee is based on the final sales price

☐ Paid directly from closing proceeds

☐ No upfront payment is typically required



Mortgage Payoff

What You Still Owe

If you have a mortgage, the remaining balance must be paid off at closing.

The closing attorney or title company will request an official payoff statement from your lender. This amount includes principal, interest, and any applicable fees through the closing date.

Typical Costs

☐ Remaining mortgage balance

☐ Daily interest through closing

☐ Possible payoff processing fees

New Hampshire Transfer Tax

A Cost Many Sellers Forget

New Hampshire charges a real estate transfer tax whenever property ownership changes.

The tax is currently $15 per $1,000 of the purchase price and is typically split equally between buyer and seller.

Seller's Portion

☐ Usually 50% of the total transfer tax

☐ Paid at closing

☐ Deducted from sale proceeds

Attorney and Title Fees

Required Closing Services

Most New Hampshire transactions involve an attorney or title company handling the closing process.

These professionals prepare documents, coordinate funds, and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

Typical Costs

☐ Attorney fees

☐ Document preparation fees

☐ Recording fees

☐ Title related expenses

Buyers

Potential Negotiation Costs

Even well maintained homes may receive repair requests after the home inspection.

Some sellers choose to complete repairs. Others provide a credit to the buyer instead.

Common Requests

☐ Electrical repairs

☐ Plumbing repairs

☐ Roof repairs

☐ HVAC servicing

☐ Safety related issues

Professional Cleaning

A Smart Investment

A professionally cleaned home often shows better and leaves a positive impression on buyers.

Many sellers also schedule a final cleaning before closing.

Typical Costs

☐ Deep cleaning before listing

☐ Move out cleaning

☐ Carpet cleaning if needed

Staging Expenses

Optional But Valuable

Home staging can help buyers visualize the space and may increase buyer interest.

Some sellers only stage key rooms. Others stage the entire property.

Typical Costs

☐ Consultation fees

☐ Furniture rental

☐ Decor and accessory rental

Moving Costs

Budget for the Move

Moving expenses are another major part of the cost of selling a house that sellers often underestimate.

Whether you hire professionals or move yourself, expenses can add up quickly.

Typical Costs

☐ Professional movers

☐ Packing supplies

☐ Storage units

☐ Truck rental

☐ Temporary housing if needed

Utility and Property Expenses Until Closing

Costs Continue Until Ownership Transfers

Many sellers forget they remain responsible for the property until closing day.

Ongoing Expenses

☐ Mortgage payments

☐ Property taxes

☐ Homeowners insurance

☐ Utilities

☐ HOA fees if applicable

☐ Lawn care and snow removal

The longer your home stays on the market, the more these carrying costs add up.

Seller Concessions

Credits to Help Close the Deal

In some situations, buyers may request financial assistance as part of negotiations.

Examples

☐ Closing cost credits

☐ Repair credits

☐ Rate buy down contributions

☐ Appliance replacements

Estimated Range

Varies widely based on market conditions

These costs are negotiated during the transaction.

How to Estimate Your Net Proceeds

The best way to understand your potential proceeds is to request a professional seller net sheet before listing your home.

A customized net sheet can estimate:

☐ Expected sale price

☐ Mortgage payoff

☐ Transfer tax

☐ Commission

☐ Closing costs

☐ Estimated cash proceeds

Knowing these numbers upfront allows you to plan your next move with confidence.

Understanding Your Bottom Line

The sale price is only part of the story. The true cost of selling a house includes commissions, transfer taxes, attorney fees, smoke detector certification costs, moving expenses, repairs, and other transaction related fees. While these expenses can seem overwhelming at first, understanding them early helps eliminate surprises and makes the selling process much smoother.

If you are considering selling your New Hampshire home, a personalized seller net sheet can provide a clear picture of your estimated proceeds. Knowing your numbers before you list allows you to make smart decisions, set realistic expectations, and move forward with confidence.

If you need more tips on the cost of selling ahouse, or if you are ready to sell your house give us a call at (603) 883-8840. You can also sign up for your dream home search or reach out to Our Agents for more information. We’d love to help you with your real estate needs.