Key Takeaways
- What sellers pay for: Sellers usually cover real estate agent commissions (typically 3%-6% of the sale price), owner’s title insurance (around 0.5%-1% of the home’s price), and various closing costs that generally range between 2%-5%. These figures represent national averages — actual costs can vary significantly depending on location and property value.
- What buyers pay for: Buyers typically pay for home appraisals (averaging $300–$700), loan-related fees (about 2%-5% of the total loan amount), and home inspections (usually $350-$750).
- Regional differences and negotiation: Costs vary by region and can often be negotiated between the buyer and seller.
When selling a house, who pays for what?
Buying or selling a home involves more than agreeing on a price. From loan fees and title insurance to inspections and commissions, both parties share the financial responsibility for getting to the closing table. The exact breakdown depends on regional customs, lender rules, and how each side negotiates.
Although some costs can be negotiated, many follow long-standing norms. Understanding who typically pays for what helps you estimate your true costs and avoid last-minute surprises.
Fact: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average seller spends about 8-10% of their home’s sale price on commissions and related fees, while buyers usually pay 2-5% in their own closing costs.
Who pays what in a real estate transaction
Here’s a straightforward look at who typically pays for each major cost — and which expenses are open to negotiation. While some fees are standard practice, others can shift based on local customs or the strength of your negotiation.
| Expense Type | Paid by Seller | Paid by Buyer | Negotiable |
| Real estate agent commissions | |||
| Appraisal fee | |||
| Home inspection | |||
| Escrow fees | |||
| Owner’s title insurance | |||
| Lender’s title insurance | |||
| Recording and transfer taxes | |||
| Home warranty | |||
| Land survey | |||
| Property taxes (prorated) | |||
| Repairs or concessions |
Bottom line: Knowing these costs early helps both parties budget confidently and avoid last-minute stress. With clear expectations, closing day becomes much smoother for everyone.
What fees do sellers pay when selling a house?
Now that you know how costs are generally divided, let’s look closely at what sellers typically cover.
In most cases, sellers shoulder the heavier financial load because they’re cashing out on the property. Common seller costs include:
- Real estate agent commissions: Typically 3-6% of the sale price, split between the listing and buyer’s agents.
- Title insurance for the buyer: Protects the new homeowner from ownership disputes.
- Transfer taxes: Usually paid by sellers and calculated as a small percentage of the sale price.
- Escrow fees: Shared or fully covered by the seller, depending on local custom.
- Repairs and concessions: Sellers often pay for repairs negotiated after inspection.
- Outstanding bills and HOA dues: Prorated through the closing date.
Pro tip: Ask your Redfin agent for a net sheet early in the process to estimate your take-home proceeds.
Who pays escrow fees?
Escrow companies act as neutral third parties holding funds and documents until the deal closes. Fees vary by state: In California, buyers and sellers usually split escrow fees, while in Washington, the buyer may pay them in full.
Typical escrow fees range between 1-2% of the home price. In slower markets, sellers sometimes cover this cost to make their listing more attractive.
Who pays for the home inspection?
The buyer usually pays for the home inspection as part of their due diligence. According to Rocket Mortgage, the average inspection costs $300-$500.
Some sellers order a pre-listing inspection to identify potential issues early — a proactive move that can prevent surprises during negotiations.
Who pays for the appraisal?
Lenders require an appraisal to confirm the home’s market value before finalizing the loan. The buyer pays for the appraisal, typically between $400-$700.
However, in competitive markets, sellers sometimes agree to cover this cost as part of a negotiated offer.
Who pays for title insurance?
Two policies exist:
- Owner’s title insurance: Paid by the seller for the buyer’s protection.
- Lender’s title insurance: Paid by the buyer to protect the lender’s interest.
Regional customs determine who pays for which policy. In some areas, sellers cover both; in others, the costs are shared.
Who pays for a land survey?
A buyer usually pays for the land survey to confirm boundary lines. Costs range between $300 and $1,000, depending on lot size and location. Sellers occasionally commission a survey beforehand to address boundary concerns early.
Who pays real estate transfer taxes?
Transfer taxes (also called conveyance taxes) are typically seller-paid. These vary widely — from 0.1% to 2% of the sale price — depending on local laws.
Check your state’s requirements through Redfin’s home-selling cost guide.
Who pays for a home warranty?
Either party can pay for a home warranty, which typically costs $400-$700 per year. Sellers often include one to attract buyers and reduce post-sale disputes over appliances or systems.
Why would a seller pay closing costs?
Sellers sometimes pay part of the buyer’s closing costs — called seller concessions — to make the deal more appealing. This strategy works well in a buyer’s market or when a property has been listed for a while.
Covering costs like loan origination fees or prepaid taxes can help close deals faster, though it reduces the seller’s net proceeds.
Expanded breakdown: Who pays for what when selling a house
| Closing Cost | Typical Payer | Negotiable? | Details |
| Loan origination fee (0–1% of loan amount) | Buyer | Charged by the lender for processing the loan. | |
| Realtor commissions (5–6%) | Seller | Standard in most U.S. sales; rarely buyer-paid. | |
| Processing fee ($300–$900) | Buyer | Paid to the lender for document preparation. | |
| Underwriting fee ($300–$750) | Buyer | Covers the cost of evaluating loan risk. | |
| Application fee ($200–$500+) | Buyer | Charged by the lender to process your mortgage request. | |
| Credit report fee ($35) | Buyer | Covers the cost of pulling a credit report. | |
| Home appraisal fee ($500–$1,000+) | Buyer | Sometimes covered by the seller to sweeten an offer. | |
| Home inspection fee ($300–$500) | Buyer | Buyers usually pay; sellers may provide a pre-inspection. | |
| Title search & title report ($300–$2,500+) | Split | Confirms clear title; cost division depends on region. | |
| Lender’s title insurance ($300–$1,500+) | Buyer | Protects the lender’s interest. | |
| Owner’s title insurance (optional) | Seller | Protects the buyer; often seller-paid. | |
| Escrow fee ($350–$1,000+) | Split | Shared between buyer and seller in most states. | |
| Recording fee ($20–$250) | Buyer | Covers local recording of the deed and mortgage. | |
| Prepaid taxes and insurance ($1,000–$4,500+) | Buyer | Required upfront for lender escrow accounts. | |
| Prepaid interest (varies) | Buyer | Covers interest from closing to the first mortgage payment. | |
| Mortgage or discount points (0–1% of loan) | Buyer | Optional: reduces the loan interest rate. | |
| Private mortgage insurance (PMI) | Buyer | Required with less than 20% down on conventional loans. | |
| Real estate attorney fee ($400+) | Buyer | Required in some states; can be shared by agreement. | |
| HOA fees (varies) | Buyer | Often prepaid; terms depend on the HOA rules. | |
| HOA transfer fee (varies) | Seller | Paid to update association ownership records. | |
| Survey fee ($400+) | Buyer | Confirms property boundaries; may be required by the lender. | |
| Flood certification ($20) | Buyer | Determines if flood insurance is required. | |
| Notary fee ($100) | Buyer | Pays for notarizing closing documents. | |
| Closing protection letter (CPL) fee ($50) | Buyer | Provides legal protection in escrow transactions. | |
| Document prep fee ($50) | Buyer | Covers the preparation of final loan paperwork. |
FAQs: Who pays for what during a house sale?
- Can buyers negotiate for sellers to cover closing costs?
Yes. In a buyer’s market, sellers often offer concessions to help with upfront expenses. - Can a seller refuse to pay certain fees?
Yes, though most standard costs like commissions and title insurance are difficult to avoid. - Are seller costs tax-deductible?
Some expenses — such as agent commissions and home improvements made before selling — may reduce taxable gains. Check with a qualified tax professional for details.
Take the next step toward selling your home
Understanding who pays for what when selling a house can help you plan and avoid closing-day surprises. While sellers generally cover commissions, title fees, and transfer taxes, buyers handle inspections, appraisals, and loan costs. Local customs and negotiation will ultimately shape your specific breakdown.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with a Redfin agent near you to get a personalized estimate of your selling costs and discover how to maximize your net proceeds.
The post When Selling a House, Who Pays for What? appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More.
