What costs should I expect when selling a home in Texas?
Reviewed August 2026 by Shannon Miles Group
Texas seller costs can include brokerage compensation (negotiable and specific to each transaction), title policy and escrow fees, survey costs, agreed repairs, seller concessions, HOA document fees and transfer fees, loan payoff, lien payoffs, property tax prorations, and moving and preparation costs. There is no standard percentage. Each transaction is different, and the best way to understand your costs is to get a transaction-specific estimate from your agent and title company.
Understanding seller costs in Texas.
Selling a home involves several costs beyond what you may expect. Understanding these costs upfront helps you estimate your net proceeds and avoid surprises at closing. Here is a breakdown of the common costs Texas sellers face.
Common seller costs
Brokerage compensation
Compensation paid to real estate brokerages involved in the transaction is negotiable and not set by any law or board. Each listing agreement defines the total compensation the listing brokerage will receive and how it is allocated. Compensation terms are specific to each transaction and are agreed upon in advance. Your listing agreement and the subsequent purchase contract will specify the compensation arrangement. Do not rely on general statements about what sellers "typically" pay. Review your exact agreement with your agent.
Title policy and escrow fees
In Texas, the seller typically pays for the buyer's title insurance policy, which protects the buyer against title defects. The seller may also pay for the owner's policy if negotiated. Escrow fees for the title company's services in facilitating the closing are also common. These costs vary by title company and transaction size.
Survey
Buyers often request a new survey to confirm property boundaries, easements, and encroachments. The cost is typically several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on property size and complexity. Who pays for the survey is negotiable.
Agreed repairs
Any repairs you agree to make after the inspection are your cost. These can range from minor fixes to significant expenditures. Get contractor estimates before agreeing to repair requests so you know the cost impact.
Seller concessions
You may agree to contribute toward the buyer's closing costs, prepaid expenses, or interest rate buydown. These concessions are subtracted from your proceeds at closing. The amount is specified in the contract.
HOA fees and documents
If your property is in a homeowners association, you may need to pay for HOA estoppel letters, resale certificates, and transfer fees. These cover the cost of providing the buyer with HOA governing documents and confirming the status of dues.
Loan payoff and prepayment penalties
Your existing mortgage must be paid off from the sale proceeds. Your lender will provide a payoff statement. Check whether your loan has any prepayment penalties, though most modern Texas mortgages do not.
Other liens and judgments
Any liens against the property (tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens) must be paid off at closing. These are deducted from your proceeds. Your title company will identify any recorded liens during the title search.
Property taxes and prorations
Property taxes are prorated between you and the buyer at closing. You pay taxes for the portion of the year you owned the home, and the buyer pays for the remainder. If taxes have not been paid yet, the credit appears on your closing statement.
Transaction or administrative fees
Some brokerages charge transaction fees, administrative fees, or compliance fees. These are separate from the brokerage compensation and are disclosed in your listing agreement.
Moving and preparation costs
Packing supplies, moving trucks or movers, storage, cleaning services, and temporary housing are costs you incur outside of closing. While not part of the transaction itself, they are real costs of selling a home.
Getting an accurate estimate
Because costs vary so much by transaction, there is no single percentage or dollar amount that applies to every seller. The best approach is to ask your agent and title company for a preliminary net sheet before you list. This document estimates your sale proceeds based on your expected price and typical costs. As the transaction progresses, your agent and title company will update the estimate with actual numbers so you know exactly what to expect at closing.
Tax considerations
Under current federal law, single sellers may exclude up to $250,000 of capital gains on the sale of their primary residence, and married couples filing jointly may exclude up to $500,000, provided they meet ownership and use tests. Gains above those limits may be subject to capital gains tax. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Seller costs in Northeast Texas.
In Northeast Texas, title and escrow costs may vary between title companies. Local title companies in Paris, Sherman, and Celina can provide specific fee schedules. Survey costs in rural areas tend to be higher due to larger lot sizes and more complex boundaries.
For properties with acreage, you may also need to address agricultural valuation rollback taxes if the property's ag exemption is being terminated. This is a separate cost that should be discussed with your agent and tax advisor before listing.
The Shannon Miles Group provides all our sellers with a detailed net sheet before listing so there are no surprises. We want you to know exactly what to expect at closing.
Planning for selling costs.
- Ask for a net sheet early. Before you list, ask your agent to prepare a preliminary estimate of your net proceeds. Update it as the transaction progresses.
- Brokerage compensation is negotiable. There is no standard rate. Your listing agreement specifies the terms. Review them carefully and ask questions.
- Plan for repair costs. Inspections almost always reveal something. Having a budget for repairs or concessions helps you negotiate from a position of strength.
- Understand prorations. Property taxes and any prepaid HOA dues are prorated at closing. Your net sheet will show these adjustments.
- Get transaction-specific estimates. Do not rely on generic closing cost percentages. Every transaction is different. Get estimates based on your actual price, terms, and location.
Want to know what your net proceeds would be?
Call us or stop by the office at 2322 Lamar Ave. in Paris. We will prepare a personalized net sheet so you know exactly what to expect.