How To Calculate The Proceeds Of Your Home Sale
Selling a home takes a lot of hard work on the part of the home sellers especially if they are doing it on their own. A major part of the process involves a lot of calculating numbers from setting the home price, taxes and legal fees to the amount of profit the seller is going to get. But of course, even before the sale is completed, every seller would want to know the net made he or she will get.
The money you will have when by the closing of the home sale transaction will be the total sale price of the property. However, you will not be able to keep the entire amount as you may need to pay for debts, liens and other charges against the property. So, your net proceeds will actually be the total sale price minus the charges which mostly make up the closing costs.
Below are several important fees that are typically paid out of the sale proceeds. Knowing these charges as well as setting a fair market value for your home will help you accurately calculate your potential net profit.
Attorney's fees. Every home seller will need the help of a real estate lawyer. The attorney plays a vital role in the financial transaction not only as an advisor but also as an escrow agent when you need a third party to keep the deposit or down payment. The fee is either a flat fee at a minimum of about $ 350 or by the hour.
Disbursements. These refer to expenses incurred by a lawyer on behalf of the seller such as the mortgage discharge fee paid to land titles, title search fees, couriers and other charges.
Property taxes. These taxes are paid every year. However, this can be negotiated as to who will should the payment.
Transfer taxes. This is a tax that may be implemented by states, counties or municipalities on transferring real estate property within the jurisdiction. Transfer taxes may range from a small of .01% to 2.2%. It is best that before selling your home, you check your area's rates from the Recorder of Deeds, a title company or a realtor.
Mortgage. The balance of your mortgage will be paid out of the sale proceeds. Without your mortgage is in good standing, you will also have to pay for mortgage penalties and a discharge fee paid to the lender. All mortgage payments due on or before the possession date will have to be paid by the seller.
Loans. If there's a home equity loan or line of credit secured on your home such as via collateral mortgage or caveat, it must be paid out of the sale proceeds. Also, payment for any home renovation loan will have to be taken out of the proceedings.
Home warranty. This guarantees the buyer that all mechanical and electrical appliances in the home are in good working condition on the day of closing up to the first year of ownership. A warranty costs at a minimum of $ 350.
Courier fee. You will need to pay this when you pay off a loan and this fee can run from $ 10 to $ 50 and upwards.
There may be other fees apart from those listed here. What's important, though, is that keep a list of the closing costs and copies of your sales documents to help you figure out your potential endeavors.
