If you’re thinking about selling your home in San Diego, you’re probably curious about the costs involved. The total amount can vary based on the offer you accept, whether you contribute to the buyer’s closing costs, repairs, and a few other things. Find your free home valuation here.
To give you a clearer picture, let’s break down some common expenses you should prepare for. These aren’t “junk fees”, they’re the real, predictable costs that come with prepping and selling a home in neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and the surrounding metro areas. Things like pre-sale inspections, light repairs, touch-up paint, and staging all play a role in attracting solid buyers from day one. You may also see escrow fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and, depending on your property, potential costs tied to termite work or city-required compliance items. Understanding these up-front helps you avoid surprises and gives you a more accurate picture of what your net proceeds will look like. (see graph below):
However, it’s important to remember that many homeowners in San Diego have built up a good amount of equity in their properties. This can significantly offset the costs of selling. In fact, you’ll likely be able to cover the selling expenses and still walk away with a strong return on your investment. You might even have enough equity left over to put toward your next home purchase.
Now, let’s take a closer look at a few of these costs so you can see what’s involved and how you might be able to save in some areas.
When Selling a Home, Who Pays Closing Costs
When selling your home in San Diego, it’s important to understand the costs you’ll face at closing. These include both your own closing costs and, in some cases, contributions toward the buyer’s costs as part of negotiations. Closing costs are fees required to finalize the sale and transfer ownership to the buyer.
As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
“Closing costs are fees that are paid to finalize the transaction and transfer ownership of the home to the buyer . . . Sellers can expect to pay 2% to5% of the sale price of the home in fees and taxes on top of the agent commission. Based on the national median home sale price, this means that closing costs in 2023 for sellers are about $7,740 to $15,480. . .”
Though in San Diego, let’s say you’re selling your home for $1,000,000, guestimated closing costs may be anywhere between $20,000 to $60,000. Taxes, however, can differ by state, so it’s crucial to check local regulations. Additionally, if you’ve prepaid for items like property taxes or mortgage escrow through your current mortgage, you could receive a credit at closing, which could help reduce some of your costs.
Understanding these expenses ahead of time prepares you and reduces any surprises when you’re ready to sell your home.
Pre-Listing Inspection and Repairs
Before putting your home on the market, some sellers opt for a pre-listing inspection. This step isn’t required, but it can be a helpful move. A pre-listing inspection can give you a clearer picture of potential issues that may arise during a buyer’s inspection. By knowing what to expect, you can address repairs in advance and avoid last-minute surprises or be prepared for them to come up during the buyer’s inspection. Plus, fixing things ahead of time can prevent buyers from requesting credits or concessions to cover repair costs later on.
Handling repairs upfront can also help your home make a great first impression when it hits the market. Simple fixes or upgrades can go a long way in boosting your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Your agent can guide you through this process, offering advice on what’s worth your time and money, whether fresh paint, small cosmetic repairs, or more significant improvements.
If you’d rather skip the inspection, your real estate agent will still be there to help. They can offer insights into what buyers are looking for in the San Diego market and highlight any areas that may need attention. Focusing on the right upgrades boosts your home’s value and maximizes your return on investment.
Home Staging: Making Your San Diego Home Stand Out
As the housing inventory in San Diego continues to grow, sellers may need to take extra steps to ensure their home grabs attention. One effective option is home staging, which helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. Staging can involve bringing in rental furniture for empty homes or adding art and decor to create a welcoming atmosphere. These days, virtual staging is also an option, allowing you to digitally enhance your home’s photos for online listings. If virtually staging, know that there are times that a potential buyer may be disappointed when they arrive at the property, and it is vacant. Some buyers are not able to visualize their furniture in an empty home.
But what does staging really cost? According to Bankrate:
“Home sellers typically pay somewhere between $782 and $2,817 in home staging costs . . . but the price tag can vary widely.”
Here in San Diego, of course, the cost of staging a home, depending on the size of the home and how many rooms are to be staged, I’ve seen staging range from $1,700-$5,500. If you’re not keen on full-scale staging, your real estate agent can offer valuable advice on how to present your home. Simple changes, like removing a piece of furniture to improve room flow, adding a rug to bring warmth, or taking down personal photos to make the space feel neutral, can have a big impact on buyers’ first impressions.
San Diego is a competitive market, and whether you choose to stage or not, it’s important to ensure your home looks its best to attract the right buyers. Your agent’s experience and insights will be crucial in guiding you through this process.
Why Working With an Experienced Realtor Is Crucial
If you’re looking to reduce your home-selling costs, there are ways to save. Skipping things like staging or a pre-listing inspection can be tempting since they’re optional, but cutting too many corners could backfire—especially if you decide to sell without a professional.
A real estate agent is your trusted guide throughout the entire process. From advising on repairs and staging to helping you set the right price, their expertise can be a game-changer. Instead of paying for an outside stager or inspection, your agent will give you personalized advice on presenting your home in the best light and what repairs are worth making before listing.
When it comes to selling a home, especially one built in the early 1900s like many of them in North Park and the metro area in general, marketing is only half the job. A strong real estate agent doesn’t just attract buyers; they know how to keep them committed once inspections begin. This is the stage where things can get a little wonky. Inspectors who aren’t familiar with older homes often flag items that can scare the “bajesus” out of buyers, and not knowing how to respond or negotiate repairs can derail an otherwise solid sale. An experienced Realtor understands how these homes are built, knows which specialists to bring in for accurate evaluations, and can negotiate repairs in a way that keeps the deal moving forward. It’s this behind-the-scenes expertise that truly protects your sale.
Bottom Line on San Diego Home Selling Costs
If you want a clearer idea of what to expect when selling your home in San Diego, it’s also important to understand the process well. With its competitive market and diverse neighborhoods, selling a home in San Diego can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re in North Park, South Park, or any other area in the city, The McT Real Estate Group is here to help. Let’s sit down, talk about your specific situation, and go over the numbers so you can feel confident about the next steps in your home-selling journey.
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