Selling a house in California typically costs about 7% to 9% of the sale price once you total commission, escrow and title fees, transfer taxes, and prep costs. On an $800,000 home, that is roughly $56,000 to $72,000 as of 2026.
The full cost breakdown
Here is a line-by-line look at what California sellers typically pay, using an $800,000 sale as the example. Every number is negotiable or variable, so treat this as a realistic planning estimate as of 2026.
| Cost Item | Typical Range | On an $800K Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate commission | 4% - 6% total (negotiable) | $32,000 - $48,000 |
| Escrow fee (seller share) | ~$1,000 - $2,500 | ~$1,800 |
| Title insurance (owner's policy) | ~0.4% - 0.6% | ~$3,500 |
| County documentary transfer tax | $1.10 per $1,000 | $880 |
| Prep, repairs and staging | $1,500 - $15,000+ | $5,000 (typical) |
| Buyer credits / concessions | 0% - 3% (negotiated) | $0 - $24,000 |
| Misc. (notary, HOA docs, etc.) | $200 - $1,000 | ~$600 |
Real estate commission - the biggest line item
Commission is the largest cost in most sales. Total commission in California is fully negotiable and typically runs in the 4% to 6% range, which may be split between the listing side and the buyer's side.
After the NAR settlement, the seller and listing agent agree on the listing fee, and any compensation offered to a buyer's agent is decided separately and negotiated deal by deal. Many sellers still choose to offer buyer-agent compensation because it widens the buyer pool.
Escrow, title and transfer taxes
Escrow fees pay the neutral third party that holds funds and documents. In much of Southern California the escrow fee is commonly split between buyer and seller. Title insurance: sellers customarily pay for the owner's policy that protects the buyer's title.
The county documentary transfer tax in California is $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. Some cities add their own transfer tax on top, so confirm for the specific city. These items are customary but can be negotiated in the purchase agreement.
Prep costs and buyer credits
Pre-sale prep ranges widely. Basic cleaning, decluttering and minor touch-ups might run a few hundred dollars; a fuller refresh with paint, landscaping and staging can reach $10,000 to $15,000. Spent wisely, prep often returns more than it costs.
After inspections, buyers frequently request repairs or a credit. In a balanced-to-seller market like Ventura County in 2026, with inventory near 2.1 months, credits are common but usually modest. Budget for some negotiation rather than assuming zero.
What you actually walk away with
Your net proceeds equal sale price minus the costs above minus any mortgage payoff. What I tell clients: do not anchor on the sale price; ask for a seller net sheet early so you know your real number before you list.
Capital gains is a separate question. The federal primary-residence exclusion can shelter up to $250,000 of gain for a single filer or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly, subject to ownership and use tests. Confirm your situation with a tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a house in California?
Total selling costs typically run about 7% to 9% of the sale price after commission, escrow, title, transfer tax and prep. On an $800,000 home that is roughly $56,000 to $72,000.
What is the real estate commission in California?
Commission is fully negotiable and typically runs 4% to 6% total. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, the listing fee and any buyer-agent compensation are negotiated separately and openly.
Who pays escrow and title fees when selling?
Escrow fees are commonly split between buyer and seller in Southern California. Sellers customarily pay for the owner's title insurance policy. These items can be negotiated.
What is the transfer tax in California?
The county documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. Some cities add their own transfer tax, so confirm for the specific location.
Will I owe taxes on my home sale profit?
The federal primary-residence exclusion can shelter up to $250,000 of gain for single filers or $500,000 for married couples, subject to ownership and use tests. Confirm with a tax professional.
