How Much Will I Make Selling My House?
4 min read
Your sale price is not the cash you keep. Between the agent commission, closing costs, and paying off your remaining mortgage, the amount you actually pocket — your net proceeds — can be quite a bit lower.
Here's how to estimate what you'll walk away with when you sell.
Step by step
- 1Start with your expected sale price
Use a realistic figure based on recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, not the highest number you've seen.
- 2Subtract your mortgage payoff
This is your remaining loan balance, which is paid off from the sale proceeds at closing. Ask your lender for the exact payoff amount.
- 3Subtract the agent commission
Commonly 5–6% of the sale price, traditionally split between the buyer's and seller's agents. It's negotiable.
- 4Subtract closing costs and concessions
Title, escrow, transfer taxes, and any repairs or buyer concessions typically add another 1–3% of the price.
- 5See your net proceeds
Use the Home Sale Net Proceeds Calculator to add it all up and see your cash at closing.
Tips
- Net proceeds aren't the same as your taxable gain — many sellers owe no tax thanks to the primary-residence exclusion.
- Getting one or two small repairs done before listing can raise your sale price by more than they cost.
- Commission is negotiable, especially on higher-priced homes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate net proceeds from selling my house?
Take your sale price and subtract your mortgage payoff, agent commission, closing costs, and any repairs or concessions. What's left is your net proceeds.
What percentage do I lose when selling a house?
Between commission (about 5–6%) and other closing costs (1–3%), sellers commonly pay around 7–9% of the sale price, plus their remaining mortgage balance.
Do I pay taxes on the money I make selling my home?
Often not. If it was your primary residence for two of the last five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 if married). Check with a tax professional.