How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your Home?

A Guide for Birmingham Sellers

Selling a home comes with a handful of costs, but none of them should feel mysterious. Here’s a simple breakdown of what Birmingham sellers typically pay — and how I help you navigate everything with confidence.

And once your home is listed and offers come in, I'll walk you through every cost upfront with a full net sheet and update. No surprises, no confusion, and no guessing — just clarity.

Cost Break-Down

1. Commissions

Your commission as the seller is always your choice. MLS no longer displays buyer-agent compensation, so the buyer’s agent will include their requested fee in the offer itself.

When that happens, we evaluate it together and compare it to your net and our plan.

In today’s market — where homes sit longer and buyers are harder to find — offering a buyer’s agent commission often gets your home sold faster. Instead of just me searching for your buyer, you now have 5,000+ Birmingham agents working for you.

Typical setup:

Listing agent: 3%
Buyer agent: Your choice, reviewed at offer stage

2. Closing Attorney & Title Costs

We recommend Canopy Title because they’re efficient, reliable, and the most affordable I’ve found.

Typical seller costs:

Closing attorney fee: ~$420
Title services: very competitive pricing
Smooth, fast, and budget-friendly.

3. Termite & Pest Costs

Welcome to Alabama — termite paperwork is basically a closing tradition.

Here’s the normal setup:

Buyer pays for the termite inspection/report
Buyer usually asks the seller to pay for the bond (typically $150–$200)

If you already have a bond?
We can usually transfer it.

4. Other Common Seller Costs

A quick, honest breakdown:

Mortgage payoff: The amount needed to pay off your loan.

Property taxes (city & county): Some parts are billed in advance, some in arrears. I make sure your credits/debits are correct.

HOA dues: Prorated to closing.

Home warranty (if buyer asks): $700–$900.

Septic cleaning (if applicable): Often requested. $299

Repairs: Only if negotiated.

Title insurance premium: Depends on the sales price. Budget for $1200-2400.

IRS reporting fee: Around $125.

Chimney/fireplace cleaning: If requested by buyer. $299

Buyer closing cost requests: Case-by-case and part of negotiation.

How Does Commission Work When Buying and Selling?

These quick videos break down how real estate commission works when buying or selling a home. Simple, straightforward explanations of who pays what, how fees are structured, and what to expect in today’s market.

FAQ's How Much Does it Cost to Sell a Home in Birmingham, AL?

1. Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent commission?

No — it’s optional. Buyer-agent compensation isn’t shown in MLS anymore, so the buyer’s agent will include their requested fee inside the offer. When that happens, we review it together and decide if it makes sense for your goals and your net.