How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Georgia?
When sellers think about selling, they usually focus on the sale price — not the costs that come out of it. Knowing what you'll pay upfront helps you plan and avoid surprises at closing. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs to sell a home in Georgia.
1. Real Estate Commission (5–6% of Sale Price)
Commission is the largest expense. It's typically split between your agent and the buyer's agent. While rates are negotiable, this is where most of your selling cost goes — and it covers marketing, negotiations, showings, and closing support.
2. Closing Costs (1–3% of Sale Price)
In Georgia, sellers pay several closing costs, including attorney/settlement fees, transfer tax and recording fees, and HOA transfer fees (if applicable). Two items worth understanding in more detail are prorated property taxes and title-related fees.
3. Georgia Transfer Tax (0.1% of Sale Price)
Georgia charges a transfer tax of $1.00 per $1,000 of the sale price. On a $400,000 home, that's $400.
4. Prorated Property Taxes
Property taxes are typically prorated between buyer and seller based on the closing date. If you've already paid taxes for the full year, the buyer reimburses you for their share. If taxes are unpaid or owed, your share is deducted from your proceeds at closing.
5. Title-Related Fees
In Georgia, the seller commonly pays for the owner's title insurance policy, which protects the buyer against title defects. Related title search and recording fees may also appear on the settlement statement, and these vary by county and transaction.
6. Mortgage Payoff
If you still owe money on your mortgage, the balance is paid off at closing from the sale proceeds.
7. Home Preparation and Repairs
These costs vary widely depending on your home's condition — typically $500–$5,000 for paint, staging, repairs, and deep cleaning.
8. Concessions and Repair Credits (0–2% of Sale Price)
After the buyer's inspection, you may agree to cover certain repairs or offer credits toward closing costs.
9. Moving Costs
Don't forget to budget for the move itself — typically $1,000–$3,000 depending on distance and volume.
A Quick Example
On a $400,000 home sale:
- Commission (6%): $24,000
- Closing costs (2%): $8,000
- Transfer tax: $400
- Total: ~$32,400
Net proceeds = Sale price − mortgage payoff − selling costs.
How to Estimate Your Net
The best way to know your true net proceeds is to get a personalized estimate based on your home's value, your mortgage balance, and current market conditions. Keep in mind that every transaction is different — always confirm your exact figures with your real estate agent or closing attorney well before settlement day. The Olusa Group offers free net-sheets for Atlanta-area sellers — no obligation.
Want to know what you'd walk away with? Call (404) 723-7270 for a free net-proceeds estimate.
