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Estimated Cost
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Tips
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Sales
commissions, or selling fees
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1
- 6 percent of
sold price, in any of the following forms:
Full service MLS listing
Fees for services
Limited service
MLS listing
Partial service MLS listing
|
Seriously consider
giving an agent who has a buyer for your home around 3%.
The listing agent (the agent you hire) may take less in a slow market.
Most homes end up being sold by a buyer's agent, so the commission is split
between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. |
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Closing
costs (includes transfer taxes, prorated property taxes.
|
1 to 4 percent of your sales price |
In Washington you may have prepaid your property taxes, which
means you may get a credit at closing instead of a bill. You may also get a
refund of advance escrow payments you've made on your homeowner's insurance.
These are "pro-rated expenses". |
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Mortgage payoff |
The balance owing on the principal of your mortgage, and (if applicable) 2nd
mortgage or equity loan. |
If your loan has a
prepayment penalty, add that to your principal balance. Ask your lender to
confirm your calculations. Some lenders charge a nominal fee for preparing a
payoff statement. |
|
Pre-sale repairs |
Older properties generally require more repairs than new ones unless it has
been recently upgraded. |
If your home is old or
you haven't maintained it regularly, get a building
inspection to identify defects that could
prevent a sale.
|
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Pre-sale cosmetic fixes |
Depends on what you want to do -
click here for some ideas.. |
Focus on
the things that cost the least and give the most return.
|
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Moving
bill |
May range from $1,500 to
move your home's contents across town to $12,000 or more to move across the
country. Cost depends on the size of your home, distance moved, and storage
costs (if any). |
When planning
your move, consult your tax advisor about deducting all or part of your
moving expenses. Beware of low-priced internet movers, some of
which have gained recent publicity for "bait and switch" tactics. |
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Other
relocation costs |
Includes the cost of new appliances, furniture, utility deposits, etc. |
Make a budget before you
move. Compare differences in the cost of living if you are moving from one
city to another. There are numerous comparison indexes available online or
through your local library. |
