Calculate Total Closing costs for your property and compare agent closing vs Self closing costs
Closing Cost Calculator By State
The Closing Cost Comparison Tool is designed to help property sellers make informed financial decisions by clearly showing average closing costs by state. It also shows the cost differences between selling with a real estate agent and self-closing through a title company. By simply entering your sale price and selecting your state, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of key expenses like agent commissions, transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and mortgage payoffs. This tool empowers sellers to understand their true net proceeds, identify potential savings, and decide which closing method aligns best with their goals.
Closing Cost Calculator Tool
Estimated Closing Cost Comparison
Item | Agent-Assisted | Self-Closing |
---|---|---|
Agent Commission (6%) | $ | $0 |
Transfer Tax | $ | $ |
Title Insurance | $ | $ |
Escrow Fees | $ | $ |
Mortgage Payoff | $ | $ |
Total Closing Costs Amount | $ | $ |
Total After Paying Off Mortgage | $ | $ |
Time & Steps (Agent-Assisted): List your property, host showings, negotiate offers, coordinate inspections, sign documents through agent (~4-8 weeks)
Time & Steps (Self-Closing with Title Company): Directly agree with buyer, contact title company, open escrow, sign closing documents (~2-4 weeks)
Savings Potential: Self-closing with a title company like First American can potentially save you thousands in commission fees while still providing the same legal protections. These companies handle escrow and title transfer in the same process a real estate agent would facilitate, but you manage it directly. Agents serve as coordinators for showings, negotiations, and paperwork, which can reduce stress and may result in higher offers in competitive markets. However, their services come with significant commission costs, and their negotiation skills and priorities can vary. On the other hand, handling the sale yourself offers full transparency and control. You'll need to communicate with buyers, negotiate offers, and manage timelines, which can be time-consuming but also financially rewarding if done correctly.
How to use our calculator
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Understanding Closing costs
What are typical closing costs when selling a house?
Closing costs for sellers typically range from 6% to 10% of the home’s sale price. This includes agent commissions, transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and any remaining mortgage balance.
Who pays closing costs, the buyer or the seller?
Both buyers and sellers have their own closing costs. Sellers usually pay the agent commission and transfer taxes, while buyers cover loan-related fees, title insurance, and escrow.
Can I sell my house without a real estate agent?
Yes, you can sell your house without an agent by working directly with a buyer and using a title company such as First American Title or real estate attorney to close the deal. This is often referred to as a self-closing or FSBO (For Sale By Owner). It’s completely legal and well done as the closing and escrow company still does the process. Agents are simply there to direct the process between the buyer and seller, which avoids personal interaction between parties. Selling the home yourself is quite a task though, you must show the home, talk to buyers, deal with negotiations and offers.
How do I calculate my net proceeds from a home sale?
To calculate your net proceeds, subtract all closing costs and your mortgage payoff from the sale price. Our calculator helps estimate that amount for both agent-assisted and self-closing options.
What is title insurance and do I need it to sell my house?
Title insurance protects the buyer and lender from legal issues tied to the property’s ownership history. While it’s often paid by the seller, it’s essential in most all home closings and required by banks for loans. For affordable land, it is common just to sell the land by deed without title insurance. As no loans will be attached or banks, nothing requires it and the protection for a deed such as warranty deed or special warranty deed offers protection. You can also get title insurance on the land at any time before building on it.
Is it cheaper to close with a title company instead of using an agent?
Yes, self-closing with a title company can be significantly cheaper, as it avoids the 5–6% agent commission. On a huge valued sale, this can come up to $100k plus just for showing the home and organizing the process. However, self closing does require more effort in handling negotiations and paperwork yourself.
Do I need a lawyer to sell my house?
In some states, a real estate attorney is required to oversee the closing process. Even when not required, many sellers choose to hire one for added legal protection, especially during self-closings.
Why Buying Land Is a Brilliant Investment
Land is one of the most stable and undervalued investments available. It doesn’t wear out, its supply is capped, and requires little to no maintenance. Unlike stocks or buildings, raw land is a tangible asset that holds value and often appreciates over time, especially as development expands. Whether you’re looking to build, hold, or resell, land offers flexibility, security, and long term gains.