When you consider what price you should accept for your home, there are two
important factors that will influence your decision. The first factor is the
basic sales price. The second, and more important, is the amount you will
actually receive from the proceeds at the closing.
It can be a little confusing, but your Realtor will prepare a seller's "net
sheet" showing what your expenses will be. This will aid you in determining
who pays what and when and can help you to focus on the details of the sale.
A seller's expenses will include brokerage fees, real estate settlement fees,
title insurance fees, special assessments, and in some cases the buyer may ask
you to pay some of the loan fees. Local real estate taxes will be pro-rated for
you and the buyer, and you may be asked to place funds in escrow for payment of
your final water bill. Subtract your mortgage balance any home improvement loans
and other liens against the property that will be paid at the closing to come up
with your final figures.
Your Realtor will help make sense of the confusion by going over all of these
factors with you when you list your home for sale and again as offers come in.
