How much will you actually walk away with when you sell your home?

How net proceeds are calculated

Net proceeds are what's left after every cost of the sale is subtracted from the gross sale price. The biggest line item is almost always the real estate agent commission — typically a percentage of the sale price paid to the listing brokerage, plus whatever (if anything) the seller agrees to offer the buyer's brokerage. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent compensation is no longer advertised on the MLS and is negotiated in the purchase contract. After that comes paying off your remaining mortgage balance, then the closing costs that vary the most by state: transfer or excise tax, title insurance and escrow fees, recording fees, and in some states an attorney fee.

A few smaller items often appear on the seller's settlement statement too: a home warranty for the buyer, repair credits or concessions, prorated property taxes, and any HOA dues owed through the closing date.