For many people, the moment they think about selling their house, the first instinct is to find a local real estate agent. And while a great agent can be a huge asset—especially for someone unfamiliar with real estate—listing with an agent isn’t the only way to sell your home. With a bit of research and preparation, you can explore other strategies that may save you time, money, and stress.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common costs associated with a traditional listing and help you decide whether hiring an agent is truly the best option for you.
💰 The Pre-Listing Costs: Getting the House Market-Ready
Before your home even hits the MLS, there are often thousands of dollars in preparation expenses that go into making it “show-ready.”
🔹 Repairs and Upgrades:
Say your kitchen counters are outdated or the carpet in the living room is worn. Potential buyers are going to compare your home to others in the area, and they’ll expect features that match or exceed local trends. Even simple fixes like painting walls, updating fixtures, or repairing cracked tiles can quickly add up.
Example:
A homeowner in Pontiac wanted to compete with nearby homes that had new vinyl floors and granite countertops. She ended up spending $7,200 on renovations before listing—and still waited 60 days for an offer.
🔹 Curb Appeal:
First impressions matter. Many sellers hire landscapers, power wash the siding, and replace light fixtures or garage doors to boost the home’s exterior appearance. These seemingly small upgrades can easily cost another $1,000–$2,500.
🤝 Agent Costs: Commissions and Add-Ons
While many agents work diligently to earn their commission, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
🔹 Standard Commission:
Agent commissions typically total around 6% of the final sale price, split between your agent and the buyer’s agent. For a $200,000 home, that’s $12,000 off the top.
🔹 Additional Fees:
Some agents may charge extra for professional photography, 3D walkthroughs, staging services, or upgraded marketing packages.
Example:
One seller thought their $8,000 commission covered everything—but was surprised by an additional $1,100 in staging and photography fees that weren’t clearly explained in the agreement.
📌 Important:
Even if you find your own buyer, you may still owe full commission if you’re under contract with an agent. Read the fine print!
🧾 At the Closing Table: The Hidden Fees Add Up
Closing costs can sneak up on sellers, often totaling another 1–3% of the sale price.
These costs may include:
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Title search and insurance
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Deed recording fees
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Transfer taxes
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Credit report fees
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Appraisal and inspection fees
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Attorney or escrow charges
Example:
A seller in Flint was shocked to find that closing costs on his $180,000 sale came out to $4,500—after already paying his agent $10,800 in commission.
When you sell directly to a company like [Your Company Name], many of these fees are covered for you, so there are no surprises at closing.
⏳ Time Is Money: Monthly Costs Add Up
One of the most underestimated expenses when listing with an agent is time. The longer your house sits on the market, the more it costs you.
You’ll continue to pay for:
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Mortgage or rent on another property
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Property taxes
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Homeowners insurance
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Utilities (water, gas, electric, internet)
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Lawn care or cleaning services
Example:
A seller waited 90 days for a buyer, then another 30 days for closing. In that time, she spent $3,200 keeping up with the home’s monthly expenses.
Selling to a direct buyer means knowing your closing date and sale price upfront—so you can make plans with confidence and skip months of carrying costs.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Explore All Your Options
Selling through an agent works for many homeowners, but it’s not the only path. If you value speed, simplicity, and certainty, a direct sale may be a better fit for you.
With [Your Company Name], there are:
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No commissions
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No repairs needed
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No hidden fees
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No waiting for bank approvals or buyer financing
Just a fair cash offer and a closing timeline that works for you.