What Does It Really Cost
to Sell a House in Houston?
The answer depends on how you sell. Traditional agents, flat fee MLS, and cash offers each carry very different cost structures. Here's the complete breakdown.
Quick Answer: The Cost to Sell a House in Houston
The typical cost to sell a house in Houston ranges from 6-10% of the sale price with a traditional agent, including a 5-6% total commission plus closing costs. With flat fee MLS through 713FlatFeeMLS, you pay $399-$799 upfront plus a buyer's agent commission (typically 2-3%), reducing your total cost to 2-4%. Cash offer transactions typically carry no seller fees or commission, but offers come in below full market value — usually 10-20% less than retail. The right path depends on your equity, timeline, and how much effort you can invest in the sale.
Cost Comparison by Selling Method
Based on a $400,000 home sale in Houston, TX.
| Cost Item | Traditional Agent (5-6%) | Flat Fee MLS (713FlatFeeMLS) | Cash Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listing / Agent Fee | $10,000–$12,000 (2.5-3%) | $399–$799 flat | $0 |
| Buyer's Agent Commission | $10,000–$12,000 (2.5-3%) | $8,000–$12,000 (2-3%) | $0 |
| Title & Escrow | ~$2,000 | ~$2,000 | ~$1,500 (often split) |
| Property Taxes (prorated) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Repairs / Staging | $1,000–$5,000 | $500–$3,000 (your choice) | $0 (sell as-is) |
| Professional Photos | Included in commission | Included in Booster+ | Not needed |
| Estimated Total Cost | $23,000–$31,000 | $10,500–$15,000 | $0–$1,500 in fees (but lower offer price) |
Estimates based on a $400,000 Houston home sale. Actual costs vary by property, market conditions, and package selected.
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This calculator compares the listing-side commission only. Buyer's agent commission (typically 2-3%) applies equally to both paths.
Other Seller Closing Costs in Houston
Beyond agent commission, here's what sellers typically pay at closing in Texas.
In Texas, it's customary for the seller to pay for the owner's title insurance policy. Cost varies by sale price — on a $400,000 home, expect approximately $1,500-$2,500. This protects the buyer from title disputes. The title company coordinates the closing process.
Texas property taxes are paid in arrears (at year end). At closing, sellers typically credit the buyer for the days they owned the home that year. Harris County property tax rates average around 2-2.5% of appraised value, so expect to credit 1-2 months depending on your closing date.
If your home is in an HOA, you'll likely pay transfer fees and may need to provide HOA documents to the buyer. Transfer fees in Houston typically range from $200-$500 depending on the HOA. Resale certificate fees vary by HOA ($50-$300).
Texas uses title companies (not attorneys) for closings in most transactions. Closing/escrow fees are typically split between buyer and seller — your share might run $500-$1,000. Some of these costs can be negotiated as part of the purchase contract.
Sellers sometimes offer a home warranty to the buyer as a marketing incentive, typically costing $400-$700. This is entirely optional but can make your listing more attractive, especially if your home is older or has aging systems (HVAC, water heater, etc.).
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