Hidden Costs of Selling a Home in Florida

💸 The Hidden Costs of Selling a Home in Florida

Selling your home sounds like a payday—and in many ways, it is. But before you mentally spend your profits, it’s important to understand the true costs involved in selling your property.

Here are the most common (and often overlooked) expenses sellers face in Central Florida:

📅 1. Real Estate Agent Commission

This is usually the biggest cost in the process.

• Typically 5-6% of the final sale price

• Split between the listing and buyer’s agents

While it may sound steep, a strong agent will help you sell faster, for more, and with less stress—often more than covering their fee.

🗽 2. Title Insurance & Closing Costs

Sellers in Florida are typically responsible for:

• Owner’s title insurance (varies based on home price)

• Doc stamps on the deed (around $0.70 per $100 in most counties)

• Settlement or attorney fees

Altogether, this can add up to 1-2% of the sale price.

⚖️ 3. Repairs and Concessions

Even with a clean home, buyers often request:

• Repairs after inspection

• Repair credits or price reductions

• Home warranty coverage

🚡 Pro tip: A pre-listing walk-through can help avoid surprises later.

🌟 4. Prepping the Home to Show

Small investments make a big impact, but they still cost money:

• Staging or light furniture rental

• Professional cleaning

• Landscaping touch-ups

• Paint, light fixture, or flooring updates

Expect to spend a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your home’s condition.

🛋 5. Moving Costs

• Hiring movers or renting a truck

• Storage fees if there's a gap between homes

• Utility transfers and deposits for your next place

Plan for $500–$2,500 depending on how far and how much you're moving.

🏡 BONUS: Capital Gains Taxes (If Applicable)

• If your home increased significantly in value and it’s not your primary residence, speak with a tax professional about capital gains

• Most sellers qualify for an exemption if the home was their primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years

💼 Final Thought:

The best way to maximize your net proceeds is to plan ahead. At The Peterson Group, we provide every seller with a custom net sheet so you know exactly what to expect.

Knowledge is power—especially when it's time to make your next move, so give Charlie a call at (386) 259 - 0744.