Selling your house in Florida can feel exciting, but it's important to prepare for the costs that come with it. From realtor commissions to taxes and title fees, understanding the expenses involved will help you avoid surprises and maximize your profit. Here’s a breakdown of the common fees you may face as a seller in the Sunshine State.

Realtor Commission Fees

One of the largest expenses for home sellers is realtor commission fees. In Florida, these typically range between 5% and 6% of the sale price, split between the buyer's and seller's agents. For example, if your home sells for $300,000, you could pay $15,000 to $18,000 in commission fees alone. While these fees cover important services like marketing and negotiations, they can significantly reduce your net profit.

Pro Tip: Avoid realtor commissions altogether by selling directly to a home-buying company like Blackjack Real Estate. We make cash offers with no agent fees, saving you thousands.

Florida Documentary Stamp Tax

Florida requires sellers to pay a documentary stamp tax, often referred to as "doc stamps." This is a state tax on the transfer of real estate and is calculated at 0.7% of the sale price in most counties. For example, selling a $300,000 home would result in $2,100 in doc stamp taxes.

While this fee is typically the seller’s responsibility, it may be negotiable during the sale process depending on the buyer’s offer.

Title Insurance Costs

Title insurance protects the buyer (and their lender) from any ownership disputes or liens against the property. In many Florida counties, sellers are expected to cover this cost, which typically ranges between 0.5% and 0.7% of the sale price. However, this responsibility can vary by county. For example:

• Miami-Dade and Broward Counties: Buyers often pay for title insurance.
• Central Florida: Sellers are usually responsible for this fee.

When selling to Blackjack Real Estate, we handle the title process, saving you time and money.

Prorated Property Taxes

Florida property taxes are paid annually but must be prorated based on the closing date. As a seller, you’ll pay taxes for the portion of the year you owned the home. For instance, if your closing date is July 1, you’ll be responsible for taxes from January 1 to June 30. These taxes are deducted from your proceeds at closing.

HOA Fees and Estoppel Letters

If your property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may need to pay prorated HOA dues up to the closing date. Additionally, many HOAs charge for an estoppel letter, a document that confirms your dues are paid and up to date. This fee typically ranges from $100 to $500.

Other Potential Closing Costs

In addition to the major fees above, sellers may encounter:

• Inspection or repair costs (if requested by the buyer).
• Courier or notary fees for document handling.
• Utilities and maintenance costs if the house remains unsold for an extended period.

How to Save on Selling Fees

Selling a house doesn’t have to mean losing a big chunk of your profit to fees. Here are a few tips to save:

1. Sell Directly to Blackjack Real Estate: Avoid realtor commissions, doc stamps, and title fees by selling your house directly to us for cash. We handle the costs and close on your timeline.
2. Negotiate Closing Costs: Some fees, like title insurance, may be negotiable with the buyer.
3. Avoid Repairs: When selling to Blackjack Real Estate, you don’t need to make costly repairs or upgrades. We buy houses as-is, no matter the condition.

Ready to Sell Without the Stress?

At Blackjack Real Estate, we simplify the home-selling process. Whether you're looking to avoid hefty closing costs or sell your house quickly for cash, our team is here to help. Forget about the paperwork, fees, and endless negotiations—we’ll take care of everything for you.

Contact us today to get a no-obligation cash offer on your home. Call us at 850-601-4714 or fill out the form below to get started!