If you list the traditional way, your biggest costs are agent commissions, seller closing costs, prep/repairs, staging/photos, and often buyer credits or concessions. In 2025, reputable sources put typical totals (commissions + seller costs + extras) in the high single-digits to ~10% of the sale price, depending on your market and what you negotiate. These statistics will answer the frequently-asked question: How much does it cost to sell a house?
The Big Buckets of Seller Costs (2025)
- Agent commissions. The largest line item in most sales. Across the U.S. in 2025, total commissions average around the mid-5% range, though they’re negotiable and vary by state and market conditions. Bankrate, Clever Real Estate
- Seller closing costs (excluding commissions). National averages run around ~1.8% of the sale price, though state taxes/fees can move this up or down. Bankrate
- Home prep & repairs. Highly variable; even modest punch-list items add up, and inspection negotiations can trigger further credits or fixes. (See concessions note below.) Redfin
- Staging & photos. Professional staging alone averages about $1,844 (typical range $832–$2,921) in 2025. Home Advisor
- Buyer credits/concessions. Near-record share of sellers are offering concessions in 2025 (about 44% of transactions in Q1), which effectively reduces your net. Redfin
Example: What those costs can look like on a $350,000 sale
- Commission (5.44% national avg): $19,040
- Seller closing costs (illustrative 1.5%): $5,250
- Staging (2025 average): $1,844
- Buyer concession (illustrative 1%): $3,500
Estimated total “cost to sell”: ≈ $29,634 (before any additional repairs or time on market). Bankrate, Home Advisor, Redfin
Sources note different state taxes/fees and market conditions. Some areas run higher, some lower—this is a conservative illustration using current national references.
The $0 Option: Sell Directly to American Home Buyer
When you sell to American Home Buyer, you skip the open houses, punch lists, and most fees. Our direct-to-buyer model means:
- No agent commissions
- No repairs or staging (we buy as-is)
- We cover your standard seller closing costs
- Fast, certain closing on your timeline
This is why many sellers walk away with no out-of-pocket costs—and maximum simplicity. (In general, reputable cash buyers often cover standard seller closing costs and close as-is; always confirm terms in your written agreement.)
Traditional Listing vs. Selling to American Home Buyer
| Cost/Headache | Traditional MLS Sale | American Home Buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Agent commissions | Common, biggest line item | $0 |
| Repairs/staging | Often required to compete | $0 – we buy as-is |
| Seller closing costs | ~1–3% common in many markets | Covered by us |
| Buyer concessions risk | 44% of sales include concessions | Not applicable |
| Certainty & speed | Subject to financing, contingencies | Fast, certain closing |
References for market-wide trends: Bankrate on seller costs/commissions; Redfin on concessions. Bankrate, Redfin
FAQs
How much does it cost to sell a house (short answer)?
Plan for commissions + seller closing costs + prep/staging + possible concessions. In 2025, many sellers see high-single-digit to ~10% of the sale price after everything—unless you sell directly to a professional cash buyer like American Home Buyer, where your out-of-pocket can be $0. Bankrate, Home Advisor, Redfin
What seller closing costs are typical?
Think title-related fees, transfer/recording taxes, escrow/settlement fees, and any HOA charges—averaging ~1.8% nationally (excluding commissions), with state-by-state differences. Bankrate
Do I have to offer concessions?
No, but 2025 data shows many sellers are, to help buyers with rates or repairs. That’s equity you’re giving up—and a big reason some sellers choose a direct cash sale for certainty. Redfin
Bottom Line
- Traditional sale: Expect multiple cost buckets (commissions, closing, prep, concessions) that can approach ~10% in some scenarios. Bankrate
- American Home Buyer: We buy houses as-is, cover standard closing costs, and charge no commissions—so it will cost you nothing to sell.