Hey there! 🏡 Thinking about selling your Connecticut home? Before you mentally cash that big check, let’s talk about something that can sneak up on you—the hidden costs of selling. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the insider scoop and some tips to save big! 💸
Our team’s got your back, and with the right game plan, we can help lower your costs and maximize your profit. Here’s what you need to know. 👇
1. Pre-Sale Repairs and Upgrades 🔧
Let’s face it—buyers love move-in-ready homes. Fixing that leaky faucet or finally replacing that dated light fixture might seem small, but those costs can add up fast.
Typical Cost: $500 to $10,000 (depending on how much TLC your home needs).
How to Avoid It: Don’t go overboard. Focus on small, high-impact fixes like a fresh coat of neutral paint, tidying up the landscaping, or swapping out old cabinet handles. And guess what? Our team can help you prioritize what’s worth fixing to save you money.
2. Home Staging Costs 🎨
Buyers want to fall in love with your home the moment they step inside (or scroll through photos online). Staging can work wonders, but it’s not exactly cheap.
Typical Cost: $1,000 to $3,000.
How to Avoid It: You don’t always need a full professional staging setup. We can guide you through some budget-friendly DIY options or even help you decide when staging is worth the splurge. And virtual staging? A total game-changer that costs way less! 💻✨
3. Professional Photography and Marketing 📸
Let’s be real—today’s buyers start their search online, and great photos are your home’s first impression. Professional photography and online marketing can mean the difference between a quick sale and crickets. 🦗
Typical Cost: $300 to $1,500.
How to Avoid It: Here’s the good news—when you work with our team, this is already baked into the process. You don’t have to worry about paying extra for photos or premium marketing. We’ve got you covered! 💪
4. Closing Costs 📝
Sellers typically pay for things like title insurance, transfer taxes, and escrow fees. Oh, and if you’re in Connecticut, don’t forget about the state conveyance tax—fun, right? 🙄
Typical Cost: 1% to 3% of the sale price.
How to Avoid It: While you can’t skip these entirely, we can help you plan ahead so there are no surprises at the closing table. Trust me, preparation makes all the difference!
5. Realtor Commission 💼
Yes, selling your home involves paying your agent’s commission—but hear me out. The right agent (ahem, like me 😉) will earn you more than you spend by pricing your home correctly, marketing it effectively, and negotiating like a pro.
Typical Cost: Ranges from 2 to 5%
How to Avoid It: You don’t avoid commission, but you avoid wasting it by hiring an agent who actually knows the Connecticut market inside and out. That’s where our team shines. ✨
6. Moving Costs 🚛
Once your home is sold, it’s time to pack up and move—but don’t forget, moving isn’t free! Whether you hire movers or rent a truck, it’s another expense to plan for.
Typical Cost: $500 to $5,000.
How to Avoid It: Start early, declutter before you list, and shop around for affordable movers. We can even connect you with some great local resources to keep costs down.
7. Utility Costs During the Sale 💡
You’ll still need to keep the lights on and the heat (or AC) running while your home is on the market. The longer it takes to sell, the higher this hidden cost climbs.
Typical Cost: $100 to $300+ per month.
How to Avoid It: A great agent helps you price and market your home so it sells fast—meaning fewer extra utility bills. (Yes, we’re pretty great at that!)
8. Property Taxes and HOA Fees 🏘️
Depending on the timing of your sale, you may owe prorated property taxes or HOA fees at closing. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to budget for.
Typical Cost: Varies based on location and timing.
How to Avoid It: We’ll walk you through every detail, so you know exactly what to expect—and can plan accordingly. No surprises here.
9. Home Warranty for the Buyer 🛠️
Offering a home warranty can make your listing more attractive, but it’s an added expense for sellers.
Typical Cost: $500 to $700.
How to Avoid It: Depending on your home’s condition, this might not be necessary. We’ll help you decide if it’s worth offering or if your home can sell without it.
10. The Cost of Waiting ⏳
Here’s a hidden cost that’s easy to overlook: the longer your home sits unsold, the more it costs you in utilities, taxes, and stress.
Typical Cost: $$$ (varies, but it adds up fast!).
How to Avoid It: A smart pricing and marketing strategy—something our team excels at—can get your home sold faster, saving you time and money.
Let’s Save You Time, Money, and Stress!
Selling your Connecticut home doesn’t have to be a costly or overwhelming process. With the right plan, the right prep, and the right team (that’s us! 😉), you can maximize your profits and minimize your expenses.
Ready to chat about how we can help? Hit reply or give me a call—I’d love to help you make your next move the easiest (and most profitable!) one yet. 💬📞 203-665-8071
Cheers,
Byron Campos
The Berlin Team at eXp Realty
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