If you’re planning to sell your home, one of the most important questions is: “How much will it actually cost me to sell?”
Here’s the honest answer: 👉 Most sellers in McKinney pay between 1-2% of the sale price in closing costs outside of agent compensation.
That might sound like a lot—but once you understand what’s included, it makes much more sense.
Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what to expect.
What Are Closing Costs (For Sellers)?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay when you sell your home.
They come out of your proceeds at closing—not upfront.
👉 That means you don’t usually pay out of pocket—you pay from the sale.
The Biggest Cost: Real Estate Agent Compensation
This is typically the largest expense. It is important to note that real estate compensation is negotiable and always has been. Recent regulation changes now put the responsibility of compensation on each party of the transaction. Sellers are responsible for compensating the listing agent and buyers are responsible for their buyer’s agent. Sellers are still allowed to and are welcome to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent, but the buyer agent fee is negotiated separately with the buyer client. If there is any difference between the compensation offered by the seller to the buyer’s agent and the fee negotiated with the buyers, the buyers are responsible for the difference.
This fee covers:
- Marketing
- Negotiation
- Managing the entire transaction
Title Fees and Closing Services
In Texas, sellers often pay for the title policy, but this fee is also negotiable. The rate for title insurance is set by the State of Texas Board of Insurance and is not negotiable, however whether the seller chooses to pay for it at all is.
Typical costs:
- 0.5%–1% of the sale price
This includes:
- Title insurance for the buyer
- Escrow services
- Closing coordination
Property Taxes (Prorated)
You’ll pay your share of property taxes up until the day you sell.
Example:
- If you sell mid-year → you pay half the year
This amount varies depending on:
- Your home’s value
- Local tax rates in McKinney
Repairs and Buyer Concessions
These aren’t always required—but they’re common.
You may pay for:
- Repairs after inspection
- Buyer closing cost assistance
- Credits to help the deal move forward
This can range from:
👉 A few hundred dollars → several thousand
Mortgage Payoff
If you still have a loan:
👉 It will be paid off at closing
This includes:
- Remaining loan balance
- Any interest due
- Possible small fees
This isn’t technically a “closing cost,” but it affects your net.
Optional Costs (That Can Help You Sell Faster)
Some sellers choose to invest in:
- Staging
- Pre-listing repairs
- Professional cleaning
- Landscaping
These aren’t required—but they can:
👉 Help you sell faster
👉 Increase your final price
The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make
👉 Underestimating their net proceeds
Some sellers:
- Focus only on sale price
- Forget about costs
- Get surprised at closing
The smarter approach:
👉 Understand your net before you list.
How to Maximize What You Walk Away With
You can’t eliminate closing costs—but you can manage them.
Strategies include:
- Pricing correctly to avoid concessions
- Preparing your home to reduce repair requests
- Negotiating strong terms
- Creating buyer competition
👉 The goal is not just selling—it’s maximizing your net.
What Makes McKinney Unique?
In McKinney and the North Texas area:
- Seller-paid title policies are common
- Buyer expectations can vary by price range
- Negotiations often include concessions depending on the market
That’s why local strategy matters.
FAQ: Closing Costs for Sellers in McKinney, TX
I negotiate closing costs?
Yes. All costs are negotiable depending on the offer and market conditions.
Do I pay anything upfront?
Usually no—most costs are paid at closing from your proceeds.
How do I know exactly what I’ll make?
You need a net sheet based on your home’s value and situation.
So… How Much Will YOU Pay?
👉 Most sellers fall in the 1-2% range outside of agent compensation.
👉 But your exact numbers depend on your home and strategy
The difference between a good plan and no plan can be:
👉 Thousands of dollars
Your Next Step
Before you list your home, the smartest move is:
👉 Get a clear breakdown of your estimated net proceeds.
That way you know:
- What you’ll actually walk away with
- What to expect
- How to plan your next move
Kelly Vaughan is a real estate agent in McKinney, Texas helping homeowners understand their true closing costs and maximize what they walk away with when selling.
🌐 vaughanteamhomes.com