Despite some regional price fluctuations, the Canadian property market has remained strong since the start of the year. Real estate in Ontario remains vibrant, suggesting it’s still a great time to consider selling your home. With the Bank of Canada’s decision to keep interest rates steady, the market has maintained its momentum, encouraging both buyers and sellers to stay active. Interest rate stability boosted buyer confidence and kept mortgage costs predictable. This makes it an opportune time to list your property, especially if you need to sell your home quickly due to personal circumstances such as a job relocation, financial necessity, or family changes like divorce. However, while you might be in a strong position to sell, it’s important to consider the various costs to sell a house, which can impact your net proceeds. Let’s break them down.
What are the Common Costs of Selling a Home?
Lawyer Fees
The primary role of a real estate lawyer is to facilitate the transfer of the property title from the seller to the buyer. This includes preparing and reviewing the deed of sale. If you have a mortgage on the property, your lawyer will help deal with your lender to ensure the mortgage is properly paid off and removed from the title. Lawyers prepare and file all necessary documentation with local government or real estate entities for the legal transfer of the property. This includes paying any fees or taxes due at closing, like land transfer taxes. In Canada, it is technically possible to sell your home without a lawyer, but it’s generally not advisable. When it comes to the costs to sell a house, Some lawyers might offer a flat fee ranging from $500 – $2500 covering all standard services, while others may charge additional fees for more complex issues or services. Inquire about what is included in your quoted fee to avoid unexpected charges.
Real Estate Agent Fees
When you use a real estate agent, you benefit from their in-depth knowledge of the local market, including current pricing trends, buyer demographics, and effective marketing strategies. An agent’s negotiation skills can enhance your chances of securing a better sale price and terms. The costs to sell a house in terms of real estate agent fees is generally 5% of the home’s selling price. It is often split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents as compensation for their roles in the transaction. However, the percentage can vary depending on the location, property type, and services provided.
Mortgage Discharge Fees
If you pay off your mortgage before the end of your term, whether by selling your home or through refinancing, you may incur a prepayment penalty. This fee compensates the lender for the interest payments they will miss out on due to the early repayment. One way to calculate the costs to sell a house regarding prepayment penalties is taking an amount equal to three months of interest at your current mortgage rate on the outstanding principal. An Interest Rate Differential (IRD) can also be used, especially when interest rates have dropped since you secured your mortgage. The IRD is the difference between the interest rate on your existing mortgage and the current rate the lender can charge, multiplied by the amount you are prepaying and the remaining term of the mortgage. The calculation method would depend on your lender and the specifics of your mortgage agreement. In addition to any administrative fees (which can be anywhere from $50 to $400), you might also need to pay for a title search, which ensures that there are no other liens or claims against the property.
Pre-Listing Home Inspection
When assessing the costs to sell a house, you should consider the pre-listing home inspection, usually costing between $300 and $500. It’s a worthwhile expense since it lets you catch and fix any problems early, so there are no surprises that could derail a sale. Transparency boosts buyer confidence, streamlines negotiations, and can speed up the closing process. If you skip this step, you risk last-minute haggling or even a failed deal if the buyer finds significant issues, potentially leading to lower offers or post-sale legal problems.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance and repairs should also be factored into the costs to sell a house. These can significantly enhance the property’s appeal and value, potentially leading to a faster sale at a higher price. They may include painting walls, fixing cracked tiles, and replacing damaged baseboards. Issues with critical
systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems can be deal-breakers if not addressed. For instance, an old or malfunctioning HVAC system can be a significant expense, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand dollars for a full replacement. Structural repairs can be the most expensive and involve foundational issues, significant cracks in walls, or problems with the home’s structure.
Other Expenses
Staging and professional photography are key investments that enhance your property’s appeal. Staging involves arranging furniture and decor to showcase your home’s potential. Professional photography ensures your home looks its best in listings. Other potential costs include deep cleaning services to make the property immaculate for showings and open houses, and minor landscaping to boost curb appeal, both of which contribute to making a strong first impression on potential buyers.
Why Consider Selling Your Home to a Cash Buyer
Selling your home to a cash house buyer like SLG Home Buyer offers a straightforward and efficient option, especially if you’re looking to close quickly. You can complete the sale rapidly because there is no need for mortgage approvals, which considerably speeds up the process. We buy homes “as is,” meaning you won’t have to spend time or money on repairs or upgrades. This not only saves on costs to sell a house but also spares you the hassle of preparing your home for sale. Plus, by selling directly to a cash house buyer like you, you avoid real estate agent fees, keeping more money in your pocket. At SLG Home Buyer, we simplify the selling process, making our offer an attractive choice for those who value convenience and speed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.