A clear look at what sellers are typically responsible for at the closing table.

When preparing to sell your home, one of the most common questions is:
“Who pays the closing costs?”

Both buyers and sellers have financial responsibilities in a real estate transaction. As a seller, understanding what you may be responsible for at closing helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

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🔍 What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs refer to the fees, taxes, and services required to complete the sale of a home. Some are paid by the buyer, some by the seller, and others can be negotiated as part of the contract.

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💰 What Sellers Typically Pay

As a seller, you’ll generally be responsible for:

• Real estate commissions
  Sellers typically pay a commission to their listing agent. It is also common for the seller to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent as part of the transaction.
  Commission is—and always has been—a negotiable amount, determined between you and your agent when you sign a listing agreement. It is not set by law and can vary depending on the services provided and market factors.
• Owner’s title insurance policy
  In many areas, sellers pay for the owner’s title policy to ensure the buyer receives clear ownership.
• Transfer taxes and government recording fees
  These vary by state and municipality and are required to legally transfer ownership.
• Prorated property taxes and HOA dues
  You’ll be responsible for your portion of taxes and dues through the date of closing.
• Any agreed-upon repairs or buyer credits
  If repairs or seller concessions were negotiated during the transaction, those will also appear on your final closing statement.

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🤝 Can Sellers Pay Some of the Buyer’s Costs?

In some cases, yes. A buyer may request a seller concession—for example, asking the seller to contribute toward their closing costs. This is a negotiable term, and whether you agree depends on the offer as a whole and current market conditions.

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📊 What’s the Total?

Seller closing costs can vary depending on the home’s sale price, location, and negotiated terms. Before listing, I provide all of my sellers with a custom net sheet so you know exactly what to expect—and what you may walk away with after everything is complete.

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Thinking About Selling?

If you’re considering a move in Jenison, Hudsonville, or anywhere in the greater Grand Rapids area, I’d love to help you feel confident and prepared—every step of the way.

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🏡 Cheering you through life’s biggest moves—one milestone at a time.