What Are the Real Costs of Buying or Selling a Home?

This is one of the most important questions buyers and sellers ask: “What will this actually cost me?”

For buyers, common costs include:

• Down payment

• Closing costs

• Inspections

• Appraisal

• Prepaids (insurance + taxes)

• HOA dues (if applicable)

For sellers, common costs include:

• Agent commissions

• Title policy (often seller-paid in Texas)

• Repairs or credits

• Staging / cleaning

• Moving expenses

Here’s what I do differently: I help clients plan their numbers before they commit, so there are no surprises.

✅ Local Expert Tip: Many buyers don’t realize they can sometimes negotiate seller-paid closing costs, especially when a home has been sitting longer.

If you want, I’ll give you a quick “net sheet” estimate as a seller or a realistic “cash to close” estimate as a buyer.