When homeowners in Acworth and Cobb County see a neighbor's house sell for a record price, the first thought is often, "That’s a great number!" However, the sales price is rarely the amount that ends up in your bank account.
Understanding the "Net Proceeds"—what you actually keep after all expenses—is the most critical part of selling your home. As a specialist in the North Metro Atlanta market, I believe in total transparency so there are no surprises at the closing table.
The Major Costs of Selling in Georgia
While every transaction is unique, most sellers in Cobb and Paulding counties can expect the following categories of expenses:
1. Real Estate Commissions
This is typically the largest expense, but it is also the investment that drives your final sales price. This fee is generally split between the listing brokerage (Maria Making Moves Realty) and the buyer's agent.
Why this matters: Discount brokerages may charge less, but they often lack the marketing reach and negotiation skills to drive multiple offers. A full-service approach ensures your home is seen by the widest audience, often netting you significantly more money even after the commission is paid.
2. Georgia Transfer Tax
In Georgia, the seller customarily pays the transfer tax. The rate is currently $1.00 for every $1,000 of the sales price.
Example: If your home sells for $400,000, the transfer tax would be roughly $400.
3. Mortgage Payoff and Recording Fees
Obviously, you must pay off your existing mortgage balance. However, be aware that there may be a small "recording fee" to clear the title, usually under $100.
4. HOA Closing Letters
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (very common in Acworth), you will likely need to pay for a closing letter or "estoppel letter" to verify your dues are paid up. This can range from $200 to $600 depending on the management company.
Hidden Costs: Repairs and Concessions
Beyond the standard closing fees, the condition of your home plays a massive role in your bottom line.
- Inspection Repairs: After a buyer inspects your home, they may ask for repairs. Negotiating these effectively is where an experienced agent becomes invaluable.
- Seller Concessions: In the current market, some buyers may ask for help with their closing costs to buy down their interest rate.
Learn more about our strategic approach to selling your home here.
Why Maria Making Moves Realty Maximizes Your Profit
It is not just about how much it costs to sell; it is about how much you leave on the table if you don't price and market the home correctly.
My goal is to minimize the stress of these costs by maximizing the final sales price through:
- Strategic Pricing: Based on hyper-local data in Acworth and Cobb County.
- Staging Advice: Making your home look worth every penny.
- Tough Negotiation: Ensuring you don't overpay for repairs or concessions.
Curious About Your Bottom Line?
The best way to understand your potential profit is to get a custom Equity Analysis. I can look at your specific mortgage balance and the current market value of your home to give you a realistic "Net Sheet."
Don't guess with online calculators. Get the real numbers.
Get Your Free Equity Analysis Today
Ready to make your move in North Metro Atlanta? Let's chat about your goals.
Contact Maria VanVurst
