Home Sale Calculator: Estimate Your Net Proceeds

When you sell your home, several costs reduce the amount you actually take home. Real estate agent commissions typically account for 5–6% of the sale price — the single largest expense for most sellers. Closing costs for sellers usually add another 1–3%, covering title fees, escrow, transfer taxes, and recording fees.

If you have an outstanding mortgage, the remaining balance is paid off directly from your proceeds at closing. You may also incur costs for pre-sale repairs, staging, or pre-listing inspections depending on your home's condition. Together, these expenses typically reduce your net proceeds by 8–10% of the total sale price. Understanding each cost upfront helps you set realistic expectations before you list.

The gap between your sale price and net proceeds depends on costs you can control — and some you can't. Pricing your home accurately from day one is the single most impactful factor: overpriced homes take longer to sell and often close below asking. High-return improvements like fresh paint, updated fixtures, and landscaping can meaningfully boost perceived value for a fraction of the cost.

Timing your sale in spring or early summer typically attracts more buyers and stronger competing offers in most markets. Negotiating buyer agent commissions and comparing title and escrow providers can shave thousands off your closing costs. Choosing a selling option with lower fees — such as a low-commission agent or a direct cash offer — can further improve your bottom line. Use the calculator above to see exactly how each variable affects your final net proceeds.

Selling your home on the open market through an agent typically produces the highest sale price, but comes with months of uncertainty, showings, repairs, and 5–6% in agent commissions. Selling for cash to a company like Opendoor is faster — often closing in as few as 14 days — with no repairs, showings, or staging required.

The trade-off is that cash offers may come in slightly below open market value, though savings on commissions and repair costs can close much of that gap. Many sellers find the certainty, speed, and simplicity of a direct cash sale outweigh the potential upside of a traditional listing. Use the calculator above to compare both scenarios by adjusting the commission rate and estimated sale price. Opendoor operates in over 50 markets across the US — enter your address to get a free, no-obligation cash offer.