Sellers Spend an Average of $21K to Sell Their Homes

Apr 09, 2019

Homeowners shell out an average of $20,851 to sell their properties, according to new data compiled by Zillow and Thumbtack's 2019 Hidden Costs of Selling analysis. This includes closing costs, but also the improvements and other projects made when people are preparing their homes for sale.

More than half of today's sellers are doing so for the first time, and the costs associated with the process may come as an unwelcome surprise. Zillow and Thumbtack identified several common–but often overlooked–expenses to inform sellers as they prepare to list their homes this spring.

The new data determined that 79 percent of sellers complete at least one home improvement project before listing their home, and that money appears to be well spent: homes with improvements are more likely to sell for more than their asking price than those who don't in a 22 percent to 16 percent ratio. Sellers that hire home renovation professionals for these projects spend an average of $6,570 on improvements.

Furthermore, the new data found closing costs can run up to $14,281, on average, although sellers in the nation's priciest markets pay much more—most notably in the San Jose metro, where average closing costs run to $76,015.

"Selling is often a complicated process that can sometimes require extensive prep work in order to put your best foot forward for a successful sale," said Skylar Olsen, Zillow's Director of Economic Research. "It also comes with huge transaction costs that aren't necessarily top of mind to someone who hasn't sold a home in a while or never has had the pleasure. Selling was hard even in the sellers' market of recent years, and it's going to get harder as markets soften."

Homeowners shell out an average of $20,851 to sell their properties, according to new data compiled by Zillow and Thumbtack's 2019 Hidden Costs of Selling analysis

About the author

Phil Hall

Link copied

Published

Apr 09, 2019

Industry News

Newfi And Addy AI Announce Partnership

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending.Newfi has built innovative lending products and a modern approach to the mortgage market. As the industry evolves, the company continues to exp...

Analysis and Data

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings

The typical down payment fell 9% from a year ago, while shifting market conditions are giving originators different affordability conversations across the country

Homebuyers are putting less money down than they were a year ago, another sign that increased inventory and greater negotiating room are changing the purchase market.The typical down payment fell to $27,100 in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest second-quarter dollar amou...

Oct

Denver, CO

More from

Industry News

CHLA: More Freddie Mac MBS Buying Could Narrow Mortgage Spreads

Trade group estimates greater Freddie participation could compress spreads another 10 to 12 basis points as Fannie has taken the lead in GSE mortgage-bond buying

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Early Loan-Limit Race Splits Into Three Tiers

Lenders are now offering $845,000, $847,440, or $850,000 before FHFA sets the official 2027 limits

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Better, Garg Clash Over Claimed 46% Shareholder Support

Better disputes its former CEO’s preliminary consent count as the two sides trade accusations and an Oct. 2 target date approaches

C-Suite Strategies

Sep 23, 2026

Fannie Changes How Rent From A Former Home Counts

Fannie now prohibits leases for departing residences and permits market-analysis tools instead of Form 1007, creating a key documentation difference from Freddie Mac

Regulation and Compliance

Sep 22, 2026

MPF Expands Eligibility For Manufactured And Renovation Loans

The Mortgage Partnership Finance Program has expanded MPF Traditional eligibility for affordable loans, manufactured homes, renovations, and lender-funded assistance

Industry News

Sep 22, 2026