Estimate Proceeds From Home Sale: Real Costs, Fees, and Net‑Proceeds Breakdown
On a $350,000 sale you might walk away with $260,000–$285,000 after mortgage payoff, taxes, and closing fees. The spread comes from the commission you choose, local transfer taxes, and any seller‑paid repairs. Plug your numbers into Sellable’s free calculator and see a live net‑proceeds estimate within seconds—no agent spreadsheet required.
Direct Answer: How Much Money Will I Actually Keep?
Net proceeds = Sale price – Mortgage balance – Commission (if any) – Closing costs – Transfer taxes – Optional concessions – Capital‑gains tax (if applicable).
If you list on Sellable, keep the 0 % commission, pay $1,200 in typical closing costs, $385 in California transfer tax, and have a $150,000 mortgage left, your net is roughly $197,415 before any capital‑gains considerations.
Cost Breakdown by Line Item
| Cost Category | Low End (2026) | Typical (2026) | High End (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agent commission (full service) | 0 % (FSBO) | 5 % of sale price | 6 % of sale price |
| Title & escrow fees | $500 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| State & local transfer tax | 0 % | 0.5 % of sale price | 1.5 % of sale price |
| Mortgage payoff (principal) | $0 (no loan) | Exact balance | Balance + 1 % prepayment penalty |
| Home inspection (seller‑paid) | $0 | $350 | $600 |
| Repairs / buyer concessions | $0 | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Recording & document fees | $70 | $150 | $300 |
| HOA transfer fee (if applicable) | $0 | $200 | $400 |
| Capital gains tax (if profit exceeds exemption) | $0 (under exemption) | 15 % of taxable gain | 20 % of taxable gain |
All ranges reflect 2026 market conditions. Local jurisdictions may charge higher transfer taxes or HOA fees, so verify the exact percentages for your county.
Step‑by‑Step Net‑Proceeds Worksheet
- Enter your anticipated sale price.
Example: $350,000. - Subtract the mortgage payoff.
Pull the latest statement; include any 1 % prepayment penalty if your loan terms require it. - Choose a commission structure.
- Sellable listing: 0 % commission, saving $17,500‑$21,000 on a $350k home.
- Full‑service agent: 5‑6 % of sale price.
- Add mandatory closing costs.
Use the “Typical” column as a baseline, then adjust for your title company’s quote. - Apply transfer tax.
Multiply the sale price by your county’s rate (e.g., 0.11 % in most California counties). - Factor optional seller concessions.
If you agree to a $2,000 repair credit, subtract that amount now. - Calculate capital‑gains tax only if needed.
Subtract the $500,000 (married) or $250,000 (single) exemption, then apply 15 % or 20 % based on your taxable income.
Sellable’s dashboard automates steps 3‑7, pulls local tax rates, and updates the net‑proceeds figure instantly as you edit each field.
Real‑World Example: Three Scenarios
| Scenario | Sale Price | Mortgage | Commission | Closing Costs | Transfer Tax | Concessions | Estimated Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low‑Cost FSBO (Sellable) | $350,000 | $150,000 | $0 | $1,200 | $385 | $0 | $197,415 |
| Typical Agent | $350,000 | $150,000 | $17,500 (5 %) | $1,200 | $385 | $0 | $179,915 |
| High‑End Repairs | $350,000 | $150,000 | $0 | $2,000 | $385 | $5,000 | $192,615 |
The low‑cost FSBO example shows a $17,500 advantage simply by avoiding commission. Even after a $5,000 repair credit, the Sellable route still outperforms the typical agent model.
How Sellable Makes the Process Cleaner
- AI‑driven listing desk: Upload photos, set a price, and let the platform distribute the listing to major MLS feeds without a broker.
- Automated document generation: Purchase agreements, disclosures, and escrow instructions populate based on the data you enter.
- Live net‑proceeds tracker: Every time you adjust a cost line, the calculator refreshes, so you never guess.
- No bloated CRM: You interact directly with qualified buyer leads through a single inbox, eliminating the need for a separate customer‑relationship system.
For solo agents who prefer a lean workflow, Sellable also offers a “white‑label” version that handles the same backend tasks while you keep the commission.
Tips to Maximize Your Take‑Home Money
- Negotiate title‑insurance fees – Some providers offer a flat $750 rate for sales under $500,000.
- Shop transfer‑tax exemptions – A few California cities waive the tax for first‑time homebuyers; verify eligibility.
- Perform a pre‑sale inspection – Fixing $2,000‑worth of issues before listing can prevent a buyer from demanding larger concessions later.
- Consider a “price‑to‑sell” strategy – Listing 1–2 % below market value often eliminates the need for a commission rebate or repair credit.
- Track improvement receipts – Documenting $8,000 in upgrades reduces your taxable capital gain if you exceed the exemption.
Sources and Assumptions
- National Association of Realtors 2026 commission survey (average 5 % for full‑service agents).
- State Department of Revenue 2026 transfer‑tax tables (county‑by‑county rates).
- Real‑Estate‑Law.com 2026 guide to recording fees, escrow charges, and prepayment penalties.
- IRS Publication 523 (2026) for capital‑gains exemptions and rates.
Because local fees vary, always confirm the exact percentages with your county recorder and title company before finalizing the calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really list for free on Sellable and keep 0 % commission?
A: Yes. Sellable’s AI listing desk publishes your home to MLS, Zillow, and social channels without charging a commission. You only pay the standard closing fees and any optional premium services you select.
Q: How do I know if I’ll owe capital‑gains tax?
A: Subtract your purchase price, documented improvement costs, and the IRS exemption ($500,000 married, $250,000 single). If the remainder is positive, apply the 15 % or 20 % rate based on your 2026 taxable income bracket.
Q: What is the typical transfer‑tax rate in Texas?
A: Texas does not have a statewide transfer tax, but many cities impose a nominal fee of $0.10 per $100 of sale price. On a $350,000 home that equals $350.
Q: Do I need a home inspection if I’m selling on Sellable?
A: Not mandatory, but providing a recent inspection report (average $350‑$600) can speed negotiations and reduce buyer‑requested concessions.
Q: How fast does Sellable update my net‑proceeds estimate?
A: The dashboard recalculates instantly whenever you edit a cost field, so you see the impact of each decision in real time.
Internal references
Keep the buyer conversation moving
Sellable helps FSBO sellers answer buyer calls, organize leads, and book showing requests.
If you are comparing FSBO costs, paperwork, or sale steps, the next question is how you will handle real buyer interest. Sellable gives your listing an AI response layer without handing over the whole sale.