For homeowners in North Carolina who are considering selling their homes, one of the first concerns is the cost. Most sellers focus on the sale price, but if your costs are out of control, you leave the closing table with less. With many markets moving toward market equilibrium, the gap between list prices and sellers’ money can grow substantially.
However, for the typical homeowner, selling isn’t just about finding a buyer. It also means covering the price on closing costs, agent commissions, taxes, fees, and more, which all come out at the closing table. With 2026 here and a market that has grown a bit sluggish in recent months, knowing about these expenses can help you salvage your equity. This guide will cover what it really costs to sell a house in North Carolina, so you can proceed and stay protected.
The Short Answer: Expect to Pay 8–10% of the Sale Price
For most home sales in North Carolina, sellers should expect total costs to be roughly 8%-10% of the sale price. This will include not only the agent commissions, but all other closing costs, including taxes and fees. For the average median home price, this can be tens of thousands off the top before you ever get your payout.
The exact percentage depends on a lot. There are local conditions to consider, along with the loan balances and factoring in market competition. Areas that have seen prices soften to some extent will often see sellers making concerted efforts to keep deals moving. This is even more true when buyers push back on inspection reports or financing terms. Using bigger markets like Wilmington for reference points can help show how trends move the needle on costs and timelines.
Expense #1: Realtor Commissions (The 6% Standard)
When it comes to the cost of a home sale in North Carolina, the realtor commissions are typically the biggest slice. The commissions for the real estate agent on the seller’s side and the buyer’s side can total around 6%. The rate may vary from one market to another, and from transaction to transaction. This total is split between the agents.
These fees cover the services that an experienced real estate agent can provide. Services like market analysis, pricing guidance, marketing, showing the listing, and negotiation. During a listing appointment, the listing agent will usually go over their strategy for marketing the home. This is how they’ll justify the listing price in the context of recent comparable sales.
For lots of sellers, this is expertise that has value, particularly when trying to get the best possible home sale price. However, in a market where homes are taking longer to sell, agent commissions still apply even when the price is reduced.
Expense #2: NC Revenue Stamps (Excise Tax)
When you sell a house in North Carolina, you’ll pay a state excise tax commonly referred to as revenue stamps. This cost is based on the final sale price and is required whenever real property changes ownership. In most transactions, the seller pays this tax, and it’s collected at closing. Revenue stamps are calculated at a fixed rate per thousand dollars of the sale price.
While the amount may seem small compared to agent commissions, it still reduces the seller’s money at the closing table. The transfer taxes are recorded with the county recorder and become part of the public records tied to the property.
In addition to the excise tax itself, sellers may also see related recording fees charged to officially document the transfer. These can all be considered part of the real estate transfer tax. Fees will vary slightly by county and ZIP code, but they’re pretty standard across North Carolina.
Expense #3: Legal Fees & Deed Preparation
North Carolina requires a real estate attorney for most residential closings. This makes it a fairly standard seller expense. A real estate attorney will handle the legal settlement and review public records. They’ll also handle deed preparation while making sure everything lines up with state law. Fees vary substantially, so sellers typically get quotes for attorney fees ahead of time.
On top of legal fees, sellers may also pay for deed preparation and related closing fees. These cover the actual drafting and recording of the new deed, and finalizing documents at the closing table. Legal fees are usually lower than realtor fees, but they’re also usually unavoidable.
Expense #4: Prorated Property Taxes & HOA Dues
Property taxes will be prorated between the buyer and seller, based on the exact closing date. Sellers pay their share up to the day of closing, based on county records on property taxes. If taxes are paid in arrears, the proration can lead to a big deduction in the proceeds. Likewise, if the property is part of a homeowners association, delinquent HOA dues will also be settled at closing. Sellers who are selling while in foreclosure will also need to ensure the mortgage payoff is handled appropriately. This isn’t usually an issue, as the loan payoff is usually the first thing taken from the proceeds.
Expense #5: The “Hidden” Costs: Repairs, WDIR, & Staging
Even when the usual stuff is handled, many sellers face additional expenses that may not be obvious at first glance. Buyers requesting repairs after inspections can add up fast. With the climate of North Carolina, it’s not uncommon for buyers to request a Wood Destroying Insect Report, or WDIR, which can lead to additional repair or treatment costs. Most realtors will also recommend staging the home, which comes after the repairs, updates, and cleaning costs. Inspection fees, moving expenses, and pre-sale fixes are some of the most common costs that catch sellers off guard.
Do Sellers Pay Capital Gains Tax in North Carolina?
Capital gains taxes can be applied any time the sale price of your home is higher than what you originally paid. The difference between the two is the “gain”. In many cases, the average homeowner won’t owe capital gains taxes because of the primary residence exclusion. In some cases, single filers may be able to exclude a set amount from gains taxes. Married couples, filing jointly, can protect more as long as residency requirements are met.
However, it’s important to remember that capital gains taxes become much more likely with investment properties. They’re also more likely with inherited homes or other properties you only hold for a short while. In areas with substantially higher values, like North Raleigh, sellers are going to face greater exposure simply because prices are higher.
How long you’ve owned the property and the improvements you’ve made will all factor in. Reviewing your numbers before you start marketing can help you avoid surprises during closing.
Comparison Table: Listing vs. Selling to a Cash Buyer
| Listing Sale | Cash Sale | |
| Sale Price | Starts higher, but may need price reductions if the listing grows stale. | Generally lower than list sale prices, but more predictable. |
| Agent Commissions | Usually, around 6% of the final sale price. Split between the buyer agent and the seller agent. | No agent commissions or realtor fees in a cash sale. |
| Closing Costs | Sellers generally cover title insurance, real estate attorney fees, transfer taxes, and prorations. | Most closing costs are covered by the buyer, so the seller has minimal out-of-pocket expenses. |
| Repairs & Preparation | Sellers are usually responsible for inspections, repairs, cleaning, staging, and, in some cases, providing a home warranty. | In a cash sale, the house is sold as-is. There are no inspection fees or negotiations on repair. |
| Timeline | The fastest listing sales still take several weeks, and it’s not uncommon to take multiple months. | Most cash sales close in days or weeks. Cash homebuyers will often close whenever it is convenient for the seller. |
| Contingencies | Deals can fall through for many reasons, including inspection results, appraisals, or issues with the buyer’s financing or lender. | Cash buyers don’t involve lenders. No lender involvement means no lender- or funding-based contingencies, and a lower risk of falling through. |
How to Sell to ILM Home Offer for $0 Fees
Selling to ILM Home Offer cuts out most of the costs that you’d face with a conventional listing sale. First and foremost, there are no listing agent commissions. There are no seller closing costs, and no need to bother with any repairs. You get a cash offer with no obligation, and if you like it, we’ll close according to your schedule.
ILM Home Offer will take care of the owner’s title insurance policy and all the legal coordination needed for settlement. We’ll even shoulder the closing service fees, which makes everything easier for you as the seller. Our approach works well for homeowners who are under time constraints or who may be facing substantial repairs or financial pressure. Selling to a cash buyer is also typically the best option in smaller real estate markets, even in a sluggish market, like Jacksonville and Oak Island. Market conditions and timelines can vary significantly in areas like these, and cash buyers can eliminate that uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions (NC Selling Costs)
Are closing costs negotiable in North Carolina?
Yes, most are. Sellers can agree to concessions during negotiations, but each one will reduce net proceeds. This is why knowing which costs are fixed and which aren’t, before you get to the closing table, is important.
What is a “Due Diligence Fee,” and do I pay it?
A Due Diligence Fee is a nonrefundable payment the buyer makes directly to the seller in North Carolina. It gives the buyer a set period of time to inspect the property, review public records, and decide whether to move forward. If you’re the seller, you typically don’t have to worry about paying this fee.
Conclusion: Calculate Your Net Proceeds Before You List
Selling your North Carolina house takes more than just agreeing on a purchase price and a close date. You need to factor in agent commissions, closing costs, taxes, and hidden expenses that all take a bite out of your proceeds. When the market is slowing down, these costs are going to matter much more.
Before you list, take time to go over your numbers. Calculate your net proceeds and compare how each option looks. For some sellers, a traditional listing makes sense. For others, avoiding fees and potential delays can sweeten the deal.
For a path forward that’s clear of stress and delays, reach out to ILM Home Offer today. We’ll help you get a fair cash offer that can give you an easy way out.