What It Really Costs to Sell a Home in Montgomery County, PA
Your 2025 Breakdown of Fees, Commissions, and What You’ll Actually Net
Selling your home is exciting—but many homeowners in Montgomery County are caught off guard when they realize how much it actually costs to sell. Between commissions, closing costs, and prep expenses, the numbers can add up.
Here’s your clear, updated breakdown of the true costs of selling a home in 2025, plus a free tool to estimate your net proceeds.
The 6 Major Costs of Selling a Home in Montgomery County
1. Agent Commission Fees
In Greater Philadelphia, it is common for the seller to pay a negotiated buyer agency commission and their agent’s commission. It may seem like a big chunk and there are discount brokerages available if you don’t want full service or a dedicated agent. We let our clients decide which service level they want to determine the fee and any buyer agent commission is not directly offered but rather expected to be in the purchase contract.
The fee typically includes:
Professional marketing and photography
Showings and open houses
Negotiation expertise
Coordination through appraisal, inspection, and closing
Why It’s Worth It: Our Proven Listing Strategy
2. Transfer Tax (1–2%)
In Pennsylvania, transfer tax is 2% of the sale price, typically split equally between buyer and seller (1% each).
Some towns, like Philadelphia, have additional local taxes.
On a $450,000 sale, expect $4,500 in transfer tax as the seller.
3. Seller Assist (Optional)
If you offer to help the buyer cover their closing costs (common in first-time buyer transactions), that’s money out of your proceeds.
Example: You agree to a $5,000 seller assist to help with buyer closing costs.
Your net proceeds drop by that $5,000.
Want to understand this more? Read: “Should You Offer Buyer Incentives? Understanding Seller Assist in Montgomery County”
4. Repairs and Prepping the Home
To get top dollar, you may need to invest in:
Light repairs or touch-ups
Cleaning and decluttering
Landscaping
Optional staging
Typical range: $500 to $5,000 depending on your home’s condition.
Download our Home Prep Checklist to make the right investments.
5. Title Fees and Other Closing Costs
As the seller, you’ll also pay for:
Title insurance (depending on the deal)
Deed preparation
Settlement fees
These typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
6. Outstanding Mortgage or Liens
If you still owe on your mortgage, the balance will be paid off at closing. Be sure to factor this in when calculating your final profit.
Want to Know What You’ll Net?
We’ve built an easy tool to help Montgomery County homeowners estimate their actual net proceeds based on your expected sale price.
Try it now:
Get Your Free Net Sheet
Prefer to walk through it with an expert?
Book a free seller consultation
Knowledge = Negotiating Power
When you understand what goes into the cost of selling, you’ll feel more confident and empowered during negotiations.
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, our team can help you price right, prep smart, and walk away with the most money possible.
Questions? Email Shaina@MontcoLiving.com
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