Selling a home in North Carolina typically costs somewhere between 8% and 10% of the final sale price once everything is factored in, though this varies based on the condition of the home and how the deal is negotiated. The largest cost is usually real estate commission, which is negotiated between the seller and their agent and can vary by brokerage and market.
Beyond commission, sellers should budget for the state’s excise tax (also called the revenue stamp), which is $1 per $500 of the sale price — a straightforward, non-negotiable cost set by the state. Attorney fees for closing typically run a few hundred to around a thousand dollars. If the buyer’s inspection turns up issues, repair costs or credits can add up depending on what’s negotiated. Many sellers also invest in pre-listing prep — cleaning, minor repairs, staging, or photography — which varies widely based on the home’s condition.
There are also costs that are easy to overlook: if you haven’t paid off your mortgage, that balance gets settled at closing along with any prorated property taxes and HOA dues you owe through the closing date. If you’re buying another home at the same time, carrying costs on two properties can add up if the timing doesn’t align well.
Getting a clear net-proceeds estimate before listing — factoring in your payoff, likely commission, closing costs, and any anticipated repairs — gives you a realistic number rather than being surprised at the closing table. A good listing agent should be able to walk you through this estimate before you ever put the home on the market.