How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in PA?

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in PA?

Short answer: most of it is commission and transfer tax. The rest is smaller stuff that adds up.

Here’s every line, so nothing at the closing table surprises you.

1. Commission

This is the biggest one. Commissions aren’t set by law. They’re negotiable, and they’re spelled out in your listing agreement. Ask any agent you interview to show you the number in writing, plus exactly what you get for it.

2. Pennsylvania realty transfer tax

Pennsylvania charges a 1% state realty transfer tax when a house changes hands. Most towns and school districts add a local share, usually around 1% (PA Department of Revenue). So figure about 2% total in most places. Some municipalities run higher.

Who pays it? That’s negotiable. It’s written into the agreement of sale. Plenty of local deals split it between buyer and seller, but don’t assume. Read the agreement.

On a $300,000 house, 2% is $6,000. Half of that is $3,000 (my math).

3. Title and settlement fees

The title company or attorney handling your closing charges for its work: deed prep, recording, notary, wire fees. Ask for these up front on your net sheet.

4. Your mortgage payoff

This isn’t a “cost,” but it comes off the top. Ask your lender for a payoff quote. It includes interest through the closing date.

5. Prorated property taxes

Pennsylvania property taxes get split by date at closing. Depending on when you’ve paid, you might owe a little or get a little back.

6. Repairs and credits

After the buyer’s inspection, they may ask for repairs or a credit. You don’t have to agree to all of it. This is where negotiating really matters.

7. Getting it ready

Cleaning, paint, small fixes, a dumpster. Some houses need almost none of this. Some need a lot. I’ll tell you which things are actually worth doing and which ones aren’t.

What about Maryland?

If you’re selling in Maryland, the state transfer tax is 0.5% (Md. Tax-Prop. §13-203). Counties add their own transfer and recordation taxes, and those vary a lot. Check your county.

The easy way to see your real number

Ask for a net sheet before you list. It takes your price, subtracts every cost above, and shows what you actually walk away with.

I’ll put a net sheet together for your house. Free. Call or text Collin at 717-991-5085.

Local transfer tax rates differ from one municipality to the next. A house in Harrisburg or Lancaster city can carry a different local share than one in the townships around it, like Lower Paxton or Manheim Township, so check the rate for your exact address. We work all of PA and MD.

FAQ

How much is transfer tax when you sell a house in PA?

Pennsylvania charges 1% state realty transfer tax plus a local share that’s usually about 1%, so roughly 2% total in most places. Who pays it is negotiable and is written into the agreement of sale.

Are real estate commissions set by law in Pennsylvania?

No. Commissions are negotiable between you and your agent, and they’re written into the listing agreement.

What is a seller net sheet?

It’s an estimate of what you walk away with after the sale. It takes your price and subtracts commission, transfer tax, payoff, settlement fees and any credits.

Sources:
- PA Department of Revenue, realty transfer tax
- Md. Tax-Prop. §13-203

Collin Boyer is a real estate agent with Real of Pennsylvania, serving all of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Licensed in Pennsylvania (RS353567) and Maryland (5014481). Call or text 717-991-5085. Real of Pennsylvania · (717) 344-5577. Equal Housing Opportunity. This post is general information, not legal or tax advice.