Selling a home is exciting—but it also comes with costs that can catch sellers off guard if they’re not prepared. One of the most common questions Maryland homeowners ask is: “How much will it actually cost to sell a house?” The short answer: most Maryland sellers pay between 7% and 10% of the home’s sale price in total selling costs.
The long answer—and the one that really matters—is below.
In this detailed guide, Gregory Gray breaks down every cost involved in selling a house in Maryland, explains who pays what, and shows you how to reduce expenses while maximizing your net proceeds.
Average Cost to Sell a House in Maryland
On average, Maryland homeowners spend 7%–10% of the final sale price on selling costs. These expenses fall into four main categories:
- Real estate agent commissions
- Seller closing costs
- Maryland transfer taxes
- Home preparation and concessions
Example Cost Breakdown
| Home Sale Price | Estimated Selling Costs |
|---|---|
| $300,000 | $21,000 – $30,000 |
| $400,000 | $28,000 – $40,000 |
| $500,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
💡 Actual costs vary by county, property condition, and negotiation strategy.
Real Estate Agent Commissions in Maryland
For most sellers, agent commission is the largest expense.
Typical Commission Rates
- 5%–6% of the sale price
- Usually split between:
- Listing agent
- Buyer’s agent
For example, on a $400,000 home:
- 6% commission = $24,000 total
- Each agent receives approximately $12,000
Are Commissions Negotiable?
Yes. Commission rates in Maryland are not fixed by law. A skilled local agent may:
- Offer flexible structures
- Provide higher-value marketing
- Help you net more even with a standard rate
⚠️ Choosing the cheapest agent isn’t always the best financial move—pricing strategy and negotiation skill matter more.
Seller Closing Costs in Maryland
In addition to commissions, sellers are responsible for several closing-related fees.
Common Seller Closing Costs
1. Title Insurance (Owner’s Policy)
- Often paid by the seller in Maryland
- Cost: 0.4%–0.6% of sale price
2. Settlement / Escrow Fees
- Covers paperwork and closing coordination
- Cost: $500–$1,500
3. Attorney Fees (If Used)
- Not required, but optional
- Cost: $500–$1,000
4. Prorated Property Taxes
- Seller pays taxes up to closing date
- Amount varies by county and time of year
Maryland Transfer Taxes Explained
Maryland has both state and county transfer taxes, which often surprise sellers.
State Transfer Tax
- 0.5% of the sale price
- Traditionally paid by the seller
County Transfer Tax
- Varies by county (0.5%–1.5%)
- In some counties, buyers pay part or all
Who Pays Transfer Taxes in Maryland?
- Often split or negotiated
- Depends on:
- County customs
- Market conditions
- Contract terms
📌 First-time homebuyer exemptions may shift more cost to the seller in some cases.
Home Preparation Costs Before Selling
Preparing your home properly can increase your sale price, but it also comes with upfront costs.
Common Pre-Sale Expenses
Repairs & Maintenance
- Minor fixes (leaks, paint, flooring)
- Cost: $1,000–$5,000+
Professional Cleaning & Landscaping
- Improves first impressions
- Cost: $300–$1,200
Home Staging (Optional)
- Especially helpful for vacant or luxury homes
- Cost: $1,500–$4,000
Photography & Marketing
- Usually included with full-service agents
- FSBO sellers may pay separately
💡 Strategic prep often returns 2–5× its cost in higher offers.
Seller Concessions & Buyer Credits
In competitive or shifting markets, sellers may offer concessions to close deals.
Common Seller Concessions
- Buyer closing cost credits
- Repair allowances
- Rate buydown contributions
Typical Concession Amounts
- 1%–3% of sale price
- More common in:
- Buyer’s markets
- Homes needing repairs
- FHA / VA transactions
Capital Gains Tax When Selling a Home in Maryland
Not every seller owes capital gains tax—but some do.
Federal Capital Gains Exemption
You may exclude up to:
- $250,000 (single)
- $500,000 (married filing jointly)
If you:
- Lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years
- Used it as your primary residence
Maryland State Capital Gains
- Taxed as ordinary income
- Rates depend on your tax bracket
⚠️ Investment properties, rentals, and inherited homes often trigger capital gains—consult a tax professional.
Selling a House FSBO in Maryland: Costs & Risks
Selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) may reduce commission—but not always total costs.
Typical FSBO Expenses
- Buyer agent commission (2%–3%)
- Flat-fee MLS listing: $300–$1,000
- Attorney & paperwork costs
- Marketing & photography
FSBO Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower listing agent fees
- More control
Cons
- Lower sale prices on average
- Legal risk
- Weaker negotiation leverage
📊 Studies consistently show agent-listed homes net more than FSBOs—even after commissions.
How to Reduce the Cost of Selling a House in Maryland
Smart planning can save thousands.
Proven Cost-Saving Strategies
- Price correctly from day one
- Avoid over-improving
- Negotiate transfer taxes
- Choose timing wisely
- Work with a local expert who understands county-level costs
A knowledgeable Maryland Realtor helps sellers:
- Avoid unnecessary repairs
- Structure offers strategically
- Protect net proceeds, not just sale price
How Much Will You Walk Away With? (Net Proceeds)
Simple Net Proceeds Formula
Sale Price
– Agent Commissions
– Closing Costs
– Transfer Taxes
– Concessions
= Estimated Seller Net
Example
$450,000 sale price
– $27,000 commission
– $7,500 closing & taxes
– $5,000 concessions
= ≈ $410,500 net (before mortgage payoff)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays closing costs in Maryland?
Both buyers and sellers pay closing costs, but sellers typically pay more.
Do sellers need a lawyer in Maryland?
No, but some choose to use one.
How long does closing take?
Typically 30–45 days after contract acceptance.
Can sellers negotiate transfer taxes?
Yes—everything is negotiable in the contract.
Final Thoughts: Sell Smart, Not Blind
Selling a house in Maryland isn’t just about finding a buyer—it’s about protecting your equity.
Understanding costs upfront helps you:
- Price accurately
- Avoid surprises
- Walk away with more money
If you’re considering selling and want a clear net proceeds estimate, local insight matters.
Ready to Sell in Maryland?
Work with Gregory Gray, a trusted Maryland Realtor who helps homeowners sell strategically, transparently, and profitably.
📞 Request a personalized seller net sheet
🏡 Get expert pricing & cost analysis
📍 Local Maryland market expertise
