How Much Does It Cost To Sell A House In California?

How Much Does It Cost To Sell A House In California With Fees Included?

Selling a home in California is often seen as a profitable move, especially given the state’s historically high property values. But before you start counting your profit, it’s crucial to understand the true cost of selling. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that selling a house in California can cost between 7% to 8% of the final sale price, sometimes even more, depending on market conditions and property specifics.

In this detailed guide, we’ll break down all the fees and hidden costs associated with selling a house in California, giving you a full picture of what to expect before you list.

1. Average Cost to Sell a House in California

The total cost of selling a home in California typically ranges from 7% to 8% of the sale price. This includes agent commissions, closing costs, repair and staging expenses, and more.

For Example: If you sell a home for $800,000, you could spend $56,000 to $64,000 in total costs.

Here’s how that breaks down across the typical expense categories.

2. Real Estate Agent Commission Fees

Agent commissions represent the largest cost in most home sales. In California, the standard commission is around 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price, usually split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

Seller typically pays this entire amount: On a $800,000 home, that’s $40,000 to $48,000 in commission fees alone.

Alternatives include:

Discount brokers or flat-fee MLS services that save thousands
FSBO (For Sale By Owner), which reduces fees but adds more work and legal risk

3. Closing Costs for Sellers in California

Aside from agent commissions, sellers in California pay several closing costs, which typically range from 1% to 2% of the home’s sale price.

Common seller-paid closing fees include:

Title Insurance: $1,000–$2,500
Escrow Fees: Varies by region (split in Southern CA, buyer pays in Northern CA)
Transfer Taxes: $1.10 per $1,000 of property value (varies by county/city)
Recording Fees: $50–$200
HOA Fees (if applicable): Varies by association
Attorney Fees (optional in CA): ~$150–$400/hr if used

On a $800,000 home, expect closing costs of: $8,000 to $16,000

4. Home Repairs and Improvements

Before listing, most sellers invest in repairs and cosmetic upgrades to boost market appeal.

Common pre-sale projects include:

Interior/exterior painting
Minor kitchen/bath updates
Landscaping
Roof repairs
AC servicing

Typical Cost:

Minor repairs: $1,000–$5,000
Major improvements: $10,000+

Investing wisely in repairs can yield higher offers and faster sales, but not all upgrades offer great ROI. Make sure to focus on the essentials.

5. Staging and Photography

Staging your home helps potential buyers visualize the space, and high-quality photography ensures it looks great online.

Cost Breakdown:

Staging: $1,000–$3,000
Photography & Virtual Tours: $200–$1,000
Storage Rental for Decluttering: $100–$300/month

Staged homes often sell faster and for more money, worth the cost in competitive markets.

6. Pre-Sale Inspections

Though optional, many California sellers order pre-sale inspections to uncover and address potential deal-breakers early.

Types of inspections:

General Home Inspection: $300–$500
Termite Inspection: $75–$150
Roof Inspection: $200–$400
Sewer Line Inspection: $150–$300

Total inspection costs can range from $500 to $1,000+, but they can prevent costly surprises during escrow.

7. Mortgage Payoff and Prepayment Penalties

When selling, your outstanding mortgage must be paid off from your proceeds.

Things to account for:

Remaining loan balance
Mortgage payoff fee: ~$50–$100
Prepayment penalty: Rare, but check your loan agreement

Always request a payoff statement from your lender before closing to get the exact numbers.

8. Seller Concessions and Buyer Incentives

In slower markets or for properties that need work, sellers may offer concessions to sweeten the deal.

Examples include:

Covering some or all of the buyer’s closing costs
Repair credits
Paying for home warranty plans

Seller concessions can add 1%–3% of the sale price to your total costs, depending on negotiations.

9. Capital Gains Taxes (If Applicable)

You may owe capital gains tax on the profit from your home sale, especially if it’s an investment property or vacation home.

Exclusion Rule:

$250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) gain exclusion if you lived in the home for 2 of the past 5 years

Capital gains rates:

Federal: 15%–20%
California: 9.3% state tax (no separate exemption)

Consult a tax advisor if your sale profit exceeds the exclusion threshold or if you’re selling a second home.

10. Moving Costs

Moving is another out-of-pocket expense that can add up quickly.

Average Moving Costs:

Local move: $1,000–$2,500
Long-distance move: $3,000–$8,000+
Storage or temporary housing: $500–$2,000+

Timing and location affect pricing; plan early and shop around for movers.

11. Optional Marketing and Legal Fees

While most marketing is handled by your listing agent, some sellers go the extra mile.

Optional Marketing Costs:

Custom listing websites: $300–$500
Social media ads: $100–$1,000+
Brochures/flyers: $50–$300

Legal Fees (if needed):

Attorneys are not required in California bu,t may be helpful in complex sales
Expect $150–$400/hour if you hire one

12. Summary Table: Typical Seller Costs in California

Expense	Typical Cost
Agent Commissions	5%–6% of home price
Closing Costs	1%–2% of home price
Repairs & Improvements	$1,000–$10,000+
Staging & Photography	$1,000–$4,000
Inspections	$500–$1,000+
Seller Concessions	1%–3% of home price
Moving Costs	$1,000–$5,000+
Misc. (Marketing/Legal)	$300–$1,500+

13. Ways to Save on Selling Costs

Even with these expenses, there are ways to reduce costs without sacrificing results.

Smart Cost-Saving Strategies:

Negotiate agent commission
Limit repairs to essential items
Sell as-is for a quick close

Consider Cash Home Buyers: Companies like Matt Buys Houses can eliminate many of these fees, no agents, no repairs, no staging, and no commissions.

14. Budget Before You List

Selling your home is about more than finding a buyer—it’s about maximizing your net profit. By understanding all the fees involved in a California home sale, you can prepare better and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Before listing:

Get a net sheet from your agent
Plan for all pre-listing and post-sale expenses
Consider your timeline, equity, and comfort with DIY vs. full-service

Call to Action: Want to Skip the Fees?

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to sell your California home without agent commissions, costly repairs, or hidden fees. Matt Buys Houses is here to help.

Get a fair cash offer
Skip the prep work and open houses
Close on your timeline with no surprises