In San Francisco and Marin, the cost to sell a home typically ranges from 6%–8% of the sale price. This includes real estate commissions, closing costs, staging, prep work, and repairs. Understanding these expenses upfront helps you plan your sale strategically and avoid surprises at closing.
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home?
Selling a home isn’t free, but knowing what to expect helps you make smarter decisions. In San Francisco and Marin, where homes can command premium prices, sellers often ask: “How much will it actually cost me to sell?” The answer depends on your property, your goals, and how you prepare, but most sellers can expect to pay between 6% and 8% of the final sale price in total expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into that number — and how to keep your net proceeds as strong as possible.
Real Estate Commissions (The Largest Cost)
The biggest line item when selling is the commission. In the Bay Area, the typical total commission ranges from 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.
In August 2024, the way real estate commissions are handled changed. The listing agreement, the contract between the home seller and the listing brokerage, now only reflects the commission paid to the listing agent. The buyer’s agent commission typically appears as a credit request in the purchase offer.
While this shift may seem more complicated, it actually opens up new opportunities for negotiation. With the right listing agent guiding the process, these changes can often work in the seller’s favor.
📺 Check out this quick (under one minute) video explaining how commissions are paid
Transfer Tax (A Seller’s Signature Expense)
Beyond commissions, the next big cost for sellers is the Transfer Tax, essentially the “exit toll” when you sell a home. In San Francisco, it’s tiered and can be steep, running into tens of thousands on higher-priced properties. Marin’s rates are generally lower, but still worth planning for.
👉 Think of it as the city’s handshake on your way out. Every seller pays it, and the amount depends on your final sale price. Factoring it in early helps avoid sticker shock at closing.
On a $1.5M sale, transfer tax will be $11,250 in San Francisco and in San Rafael, as an example, $4650.
Pre-Sale Preparation & Repairs (Variable)
This is where sellers have flexibility. Common prep costs include:
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Staging: $5,000–$8,000+ (worth it in competitive markets)
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Painting & touch-ups: $4,000–$10,000
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Landscaping & curb appeal: $4,000–$7,000
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Repairs or updates: Highly variable, depending on condition
👉 Pro Tip: Smart, targeted upgrades often deliver a 3x–5x return in the final sale price. It’s all about making the photos pop online and creating a seamless experience when buyers walk through the door. That’s why you’ll sometimes see a good agent straighten cushions or even pick up trash out front before an open house, every detail matters, because buyers notice everything
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
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Mortgage payoff & prepayment penalties
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HOA document fees (if applicable)
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Outstanding property taxes or liens
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Moving costs
These often surprise sellers, and they can add up quickly.
Example: Selling a $1.5M San Francisco Home
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Commission (negotiable, example 5%): $75,000
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Transfer Tax (0.75%): $11,250
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Seller Fees (escrow portion, NHD report, HOA docs if applicable, recording, misc.): ~$1,500–$2,000
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Staging + Prep: ~$10,000
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Other Miscellaneous (repairs, move-out prep, touch-ups): ~$2,500
Total Estimated Costs: ≈ $100,000 (≈6.7%)
*Note: Commissions are always negotiable and vary by agreement. Numbers above are for illustration purposes only.
Bottom Line
Selling your home in San Francisco or Marin typically costs between 6% and 8% of your home’s value. But those costs aren’t just expenses — they’re investments in maximizing your net proceeds. With the right preparation and expert guidance, your home can sell faster, for more money, and with fewer surprises along the way.
➡️ Thinking about selling? I’d be happy to prepare a complimentary net sheet showing exactly what selling your home would cost, and what you could walk away with after closing.
Oliver Burgelman
Broker Associate – Vanguard Properties
📞 415.244.5846 | ✉️ [email protected]
