What Are the Things You Need To Pay for When Selling a Home?

When you think about selling your home, closing costs are probably on your radar. But what many sellers don’t anticipate are the other expenses that quietly pile up—costs that can catch you off guard and eat into your profits. After ten years as a listing agent, I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count.

Just this week, I met with two sellers who bought their home in 2023, right near the peak of the market. They paid $570,000, invested another $60,000 in upgrades, and then had to replace a water tank for $7,000. Understandably, they hoped to recoup their investment.

But in today’s market, home values don’t always move in your favor. Emotionally, it’s tough. Financially, it can be a shock. That’s why it’s so important to go into the selling process with your eyes wide open. Let’s break down the often-overlooked expenses that can blindside sellers and how to plan for them.

1. Cosmetic fixes. Buyers don’t want to walk into a living room painted in bold purple or navy blue, even if it’s your favorite color. First impressions matter, and bold hues can be a major turnoff. A fresh coat of neutral paint is one of the smartest investments you can make.

Think of it like a dating app: your home needs to “swipe right” with buyers the moment they walk in. Make it easy for them to picture themselves living there.

2. Home staging. Professional staging typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, but it can save you weeks (or even months) on the market. Homes that aren’t staged often linger, sometimes sitting for 57 days or more.

When open houses draw no one, that’s a clear signal: your home isn’t connecting with buyers. Staging helps tell a story of move-in readiness, and that story sells.

Inspections and repairs. I always recommend a pre-listing inspection. It gives you the upper hand by uncovering issues before buyers do. Even the cleanest homes usually have 20+ items flagged: nail pops, loose fixtures, and minor leaks. They may seem small, but in a competitive market, they become negotiation leverage.

Budget at least $5,000 for repairs so you’re not scrambling when an offer comes in with a long list of demands.

Buyer’s agent commission. You may have heard about lawsuits around real estate commissions, and some sellers wonder if they can skip paying the buyer’s agent. The reality? If you don’t offer commission, many agents won’t show your home.

The first question buyers’ agents ask is, “Is commission offered?” If the answer is no, you’re already at a disadvantage.

Curb appeal. First impressions start before the front door. Buyers judge your home in the first ten seconds. Weeds, overgrown shrubs, or faded mulch send a message: This house isn’t cared for.

Set aside $1,500 to $2,000 for landscaping; pull weeds, refresh mulch, trim bushes. A welcoming exterior invites buyers inside. Without it, they might not even get out of the car.

Selling isn’t just about sticking a sign in the yard and hoping someone sees past peeling paint or an overgrown lawn. If you want more money for your home, you have to invest in its presentation.

That’s where I come in. I’ll walk through your home and give you a realistic, prioritized list of what needs attention, whether it’s $500 worth of cleaning or $8,000 in updates. No pressure, no guesswork. I’ll also prepare a detailed net sheet so you know exactly how much you’ll walk away with. No last-minute surprises or out-of-pocket scrambles at closing.

Selling isn’t free. Beyond closing costs, there are real but manageable expenses: staging, repairs, paint, and landscaping. But when you plan ahead, you gain control. You attract serious buyers. And you position your home to sell faster and for more.

If you’re thinking of selling and want a clear, honest picture of what it will take to get your home market-ready, I’d love to help. Call or text me at 1-904-640-8000 (FL) or 1-916-220-5700 (CA). You can also email me at gail@gaildemarco.com. Let’s create a smart, stress-free plan before the first sign goes up.