Seller Net Proceeds Calculator: How Much Will You Keep?

Q: How do I calculate my net proceeds when selling my San Diego home?

Net proceeds = Sale price minus agent commissions (5–5.5%), seller closing costs (1–1.5%), and mortgage payoff. Most San Diego sellers net 88–93% of their sale price after all transaction costs.

Q: What percentage do real estate agents charge in San Diego?

Total commissions typically run 5–5.5% of the sale price. After the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation is negotiated separately from the listing agent fee.

Q: What closing costs does the seller pay in California?

California sellers pay county transfer tax ($1.10/$1,000 of sale price), title insurance, escrow fees (split with buyer), and natural hazard disclosure. Total seller closing costs (excluding commissions) run 0.5–1.5%.

Q: Does home staging affect my net proceeds?

Yes — staged homes in San Diego sell for 5–10% more and 15–30 fewer days on average. Staging costs $1,500–$5,000 and ROI is typically 5–10x in competitive markets.

When you sell your home in San Diego, the sale price is not what you keep. Seller closing costs typically total 6-10% of the sale price. On a $750,000 San Diego home, expect to pay $45,000-$75,000 in fees. Major costs: agent commissions (5-6%, now negotiable post-NAR settlement), title insurance ($2,000-$4,000), escrow fees ($2,000-$3,500), transfer taxes ($825 per $1,000 in San Diego County), and your remaining mortgage payoff.

Seller Closing Costs Breakdown

Agent commissions: 5-6% of sale price ($37,500-$45,000 on $750K). Negotiable since 2024 NAR settlement. Title insurance: $2,000-$4,000. Escrow: $2,000-$3,500. Transfer tax: $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price ($825 on $750K). Repairs from inspection: $2,000-$10,000 (negotiated). Home warranty: $400-$600 (optional). Staging: $2,000-$5,000 (optional).

Tax Implications of Selling Your Home

Most San Diego homeowners owe zero capital gains tax on their home sale. The IRS excludes $250,000 in gains (single) or $500,000 (married) if you lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years. With San Diego appreciation, some sellers exceed this threshold. California state tax applies to gains above the exclusion at your marginal rate (up to 13.3%). Our calculator factors in your purchase price and exemption.

Maximize Your Net Proceeds

1. Price correctly from day one — overpriced homes sit, then sell for less. 2. Make strategic repairs only — fix obvious issues, skip cosmetic upgrades buyers will redo. 3. Negotiate commissions — interview 3+ agents, target 4.5-5% total. 4. Time the market — San Diego peak selling season is March-June. 5. Minimize concessions — our calculator shows how each concession reduces your net.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my net proceeds when selling my San Diego home?

Net proceeds = Sale price − agent commissions − seller closing costs − mortgage payoff − pre-sale repairs. On a $900,000 San Diego sale: subtract 5–5.5% agent commissions ($45,000–$49,500), 1–1.5% closing costs ($9,000–$13,500), outstanding mortgage balance, and any pre-listing repairs. Most sellers net 88–93% of their sale price after all transaction costs.

What percentage do real estate agents charge in San Diego?

Total commissions in San Diego typically run 5–5.5% of the sale price, split between the listing and buyer's agent. After the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer's agent compensation is now negotiated separately. Some listing agents charge 2.5–3% as their fee, with buyer's agent compensation negotiated per transaction. Discount brokers offer 1–1.5% listing fees but may offer less service.

What closing costs does the seller pay in California?

California sellers typically pay: county transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000 of sale price), city transfer tax (San Diego city adds $0–$0.55 per $1,000), title insurance (owner's policy, ~0.1–0.2% of price), escrow fee (split with buyer, ~0.1%), natural hazard disclosure ($50–$150), and any HOA transfer fees. Total seller closing costs (excluding commissions) run 0.5–1.5% of the sale price.

Does home staging affect my net proceeds?

Yes — professionally staged homes in San Diego sell for 5–10% more and in 15–30 fewer days on average. Staging costs $1,500–$5,000 for a typical 3-bedroom home (occupied staging with furniture provided). ROI on staging is often 5–10x in a competitive market. Vacant homes benefit most — empty rooms make spaces look smaller and buyers struggle to envision scale.

Do I owe capital gains tax when selling my San Diego home?

The IRS Section 121 exclusion allows single filers to exclude up to $250,000 in gains and married couples up to $500,000 — if you've owned and lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years. San Diego's appreciation means many long-term owners exceed these limits. Consult a CPA if your gain may exceed the exclusion. California has no additional capital gains exclusion and taxes gains as ordinary income (up to 13.3%).