What Will I Net from My Home Sale? Understanding Seller Closing Costs
You’ve accepted an offer on your home, the champagne is chilling, and then someone brings up closing costs. Suddenly, the question hits you. How much do I actually keep from the sale?
If you’ve ever wondered what gets deducted before your final check, you’re not alone. Sellers often focus on the sale price but don’t always realize how many items show up on the final settlement statement. The good news is it’s all predictable, and I’m here to break it down clearly.
What are closing costs
Closing costs are the fees and expenses due at the close of escrow. They are separate from the purchase price and cover everything from professional services to local taxes. These costs are usually split between buyer and seller, but sellers are typically responsible for more of the fixed costs and required reports.
What sellers typically pay
In Los Angeles County, sellers usually cover:
Real estate commissions
Escrow fees
Owner’s title insurance
County and city transfer taxes
Recording and notary fees
Natural Hazard Disclosure report
City reports or inspections
Home warranty (if agreed upon in contract)
Retrofit inspection and compliance
HOA documents and transfer fees (if applicable)
Most sellers in Los Angeles County can expect closing costs to total around 6 to 8 percent of the sale price. These include required services, fees, and taxes related to the transfer of ownership.
Commission is usually part of this total. In most transactions, it's shared between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. However, in California, one agent can represent both the buyer and seller (known as dual agency), in which case the full commission may go to one brokerage. How it’s structured depends on the agreement and proper disclosures.
Let’s use a 1,000,000 condo sale in Los Angeles County with no mortgage as a baseline. Based on recent transactions and standard terms in the California Residential Purchase Agreement, here’s what sellers can generally expect:
Estimated seller cost breakdown
Real estate commission (5%)
2.5% to listing agent and 2.5% to buyer’s agent
Estimated cost: $50,000Owner’s title insurance
Estimated cost: $2,500Escrow fees
Typically split, but often covered by seller
Estimated cost: $2,500 to $3,000LA County transfer tax
$1.10 per $1,000
Estimated cost: $1,100City of Los Angeles transfer tax
$4.50 per $1,000 (only applies if the property is in the City of LA)
Estimated cost: $4,500Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) report
Estimated cost: $125Home warranty (if agreed upon)
Estimated cost: $700 to $900HOA documents and transfer fees (if applicable)
Estimated cost: $400 to $800Retrofit inspection and compliance
Basic inspection: $99 to $150
Minor compliance items (detectors, strapping): $100 to $300
Seismic shut-off valve or low-flow fixture upgrades: up to $700+
Total estimated seller closing costs
$60,000 to $65,000+
This does not include property tax prorations, outstanding liens, or agreed-upon repair credits.
Can I see my estimated net sheet before closing
Yes, absolutely. A seller net sheet can be prepared for you early in the process so you can get a clear sense of your estimated proceeds. It’s a helpful tool for planning your next steps and understanding what to expect before closing.
Every transaction is a little different, but closing costs follow a fairly consistent structure. If you’re planning to sell or just want a better understanding of what you’d walk away with, I’m happy to create an estimate tailored to your property and walk you through the numbers.
Contact me HERE or give me a call at (424)212-3859.
Best regards,
Lindsay Woolf | CA DRE #02236711
DOMO Real Estate | CA DRE #01290500
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate transactions can be complex and subject to local regulations.
