Home Sale Calculator – Find Out Your Net Profit in Seconds
Home Sale Calculator lets you quickly estimate how much money you’ll make from selling your home. Enter your sale price, mortgage balance, and fees to see your estimated net proceeds instantly.
Prep & Repair Costs
On-Market Costs
Closing Costs
Estimated Net Proceeds
Breakdown
Sell Smarter, Not Harder
Before you list your home, know exactly how much you’ll walk away with. Our sell my house calculator cuts through the guesswork and reveals your true net proceeds — no surprises, just clarity.
Unlike a basic sale calculator, this tool accounts for every real-world cost: your mortgage payoff, agent fees, prep work, holding expenses, and closing obligations. Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or investing, make your next move with confidence.
What Home Sellers Often Overlook
- The final amount you receive is far below the listing price — multiple deductions apply before you see a dollar.
- Real estate agent fees typically range from 5% to 6% of the sale value.
- Pre-listing upgrades like painting or minor repairs may cost $5,000–$20,000, though they can improve buyer interest.
- Time on market means ongoing mortgage, utility, and insurance payments.
- Settlement expenses — including transfer taxes and title services — usually represent 1% to 3% of the sale.
Why the Final Number Feels Lower Than Expected
Many assume a $500,000 sale equals $500,000 in hand. In reality:
- Outstanding mortgage: $300,000 (paid first to your lender)
- Agent commission (5%): $25,000
- Home prep and staging: ~$10,000
- Closing-related fees and taxes: ~$8,000
Net result: approximately $157,000 received — not $500,000.
“Industry data shows most U.S. homeowners retain between 30% and 40% of their home’s sale price after all obligations. A reliable sale calculator helps set realistic expectations early in the selling process.”
Common Deductions That Impact Your Net Proceeds
1. Loan Payoff Amount
Your mortgage balance is settled before any funds reach you. This is often the largest single deduction.
2. Property Preparation Expenses
Costs to ready your home for buyers may include:
- Minor renovations: Fresh paint, updated fixtures, or landscaping ($3,000–$15,000)
- Professional cleaning or staging: $500–$3,000 depending on home size
3. Holding Costs While Listed
Ongoing expenses during the selling period:
- Monthly mortgage and property tax payments
- Average listing duration: 3–6 months nationally
- Utilities, HOA dues, storage, or temporary housing
4. Settlement and Transaction Fees
Final costs due at closing:
- Agent compensation: Standard 5–6%, though negotiable in some cases
- Buyer credits: Optional concessions (1–3% of sale price)
- Administrative fees: Title insurance, recording charges, attorney costs, and local transfer taxes ($2,000–$5,000)
Smart Ways to Improve Your Net Outcome
- Discuss commission rates with agents — some offer flexible terms.
- Prioritize high-impact, low-cost updates like decluttering and deep cleaning.
- Price competitively using recent comparable sales to reduce time on market.
- Limit buyer concessions unless required by market conditions.
- Compare service providers for title and escrow to find cost-efficient options.
Example: Selling a $400,000 Home
Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Share of Sale Price |
---|---|---|
Sale Price | $400,000 | 100% |
Outstanding Mortgage | –$250,000 | –62.5% |
Preparation & Repairs | –$6,000 | –1.5% |
Holding Costs (3 months) | –$6,500 | –1.6% |
Settlement Fees & Commissions | –$25,000 | –6.25% |
Estimated Net Proceeds | $112,500 | 28.1% |
*Illustrative example. Actual results depend on your specific inputs and local market conditions.
How to Use This Sell My House Calculator
- Enter your expected sale price based on local market data.
- Add your current mortgage balance (from your latest statement).
- Include preparation costs like repairs, cleaning, or staging.
- Estimate holding expenses (mortgage + utilities × expected listing duration).
- Input closing-related items: commission %, buyer credits, and estimated fees.
- Review your net proceeds estimate and adjust assumptions to explore different scenarios.
Explore Our Interactive Tool: Estimate Your Net Proceeds in Minutes
Our sell my house calculator provides a clear, itemized projection of your final cash after selling your home. Unlike a basic sale calculator, it accounts for real-world costs that impact your bottom line. Here’s what each field represents:
1. Sale Price ($)
Enter the amount you expect to receive from the buyer. Use recent comparable sales in your neighborhood for accuracy.
2. Remaining Mortgage Balance ($)
This is the outstanding loan amount that must be repaid to your lender at closing — typically the largest deduction.
3. Preparation & Repair Costs
- Improvements ($): Budget for minor upgrades like painting, flooring, or curb appeal enhancements.
- Cleaning & Staging ($): Cost of professional cleaning or temporary furniture rental to showcase your home.
4. Holding Costs While Listed
- Monthly Mortgage Payment ($): Your regular payment during the listing period.
- Months on Market: Estimated time until closing (national average: 3–6 months).
- Other Expenses ($): Utilities, HOA fees, storage, or moving deposits incurred before sale completion.
5. Closing Costs
- Agent Commission (% of sale price): Standard rate is 5–6%, but may be negotiable.
- Seller Concessions ($): Optional credits to the buyer for repairs or closing assistance.
- Closing Fees & Taxes ($): Includes title insurance, transfer taxes, recording fees, and prorated property taxes — similar to elements found in a sales tax calculator for real estate transactions.
After entering these details, the tool instantly calculates your estimated net proceeds — the actual cash you can expect to receive at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sell my house calculator?
It’s a digital tool that projects your net cash after selling a home, factoring in loan payoff, agent fees, prep costs, and closing expenses. It’s also useful as a general sale calculator for real estate transactions.
Why is my take-home amount so much less than the sale price?
Because multiple obligations are settled first: your mortgage, commissions, taxes, and fees. Most sellers keep 25%–40% of the listed price.
Can I lower real estate commissions?
In many areas, commission rates are negotiable. Some discount brokerages offer listing services for 1%–3%. Always discuss terms before signing an agreement.
Does this tool work like a sales tax calculator?
Not exactly. While it includes local transfer taxes and prorated property taxes (common in closings), it’s not a standalone sales tax calculator. However, it does account for tax-related closing costs relevant to home sales.
How long will my home likely stay on the market?
Nationally, 3–6 months is typical, but this varies by location, price range, and season. Your local agent can provide area-specific insights.
Are property taxes included?
Yes — prorated property taxes up to the closing date are part of standard closing costs.
Can I save or share my results?
Yes. Use the “Download Report” feature to save your estimate as a text file for personal use or to discuss with professionals.
Is my data stored or shared?
No. All calculations occur in your browser. We do not collect, transmit, or store any personal or financial information.
Planning your next move? Estimate your mortgage too.
Use our free Mortgage Calculator to understand your borrowing power and monthly obligations before you buy.
Mortgage CalculatorImportant Notice
This calculator provides educational estimates based on user inputs. Actual proceeds may differ due to local regulations, last-minute negotiations, lender policies, or unexpected fees. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified real estate professional before proceeding with a sale.