Selling a home is a major financial transaction—but it’s also an emotional journey, especially when the sale is tied to a family estate or probate. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or managing an inherited property, it’s important to know that selling a home involves more than just listing and closing.

Let’s walk through the most common expenses sellers should prepare for, so you can avoid surprises and make confident, informed decisions.

🔧 1. Pre-Sale Repairs & Touch-Ups

First impressions matter. Buyers often judge a home in the first few minutes of a showing. Even small repairs—like leaky faucets, peeling paint, or cracked tiles—can turn into deal-breakers.

Typical costs: $300 – $2,000+ depending on the condition.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-renovate! Focus on high-impact updates that help the home show well.

🛋 2. Home Staging & Photography

Staging helps buyers imagine living in the space—and well-staged homes tend to sell faster and at higher prices. Add professional photography and you’re setting yourself up for success.

Typical costs:

• Staging: $500 – $2,500+

• Photography: $150 – $500

If you’re selling a vacant or inherited home, staging can make an even bigger difference.

💼 3. Real Estate Agent Commission

Agent commissions are usually the largest single expense. In New York, commissions typically range from 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

Example: For a $500,000 home, commission could be $25,000–$30,000.

That may seem steep, but a qualified agent (like yours truly 😊) often earns sellers far more than they would selling alone.

📃 4. Legal & Closing Costs

In New York, sellers often pay legal fees to an attorney who prepares and reviews the contracts. There are also transfer taxes, title fees, and possibly unpaid property taxes.

Estimated costs:

• Legal fees: $1,500 – $3,000

• NY Transfer tax: 0.4% of the sale price

• Misc. closing costs: Varies

If you’re selling as part of a probate estate, additional legal filings may apply.

🚚 5. Moving & Storage Expenses

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or clearing out a loved one’s estate, moving isn’t cheap. Add storage, junk removal, or temporary housing and the bill adds up fast.

Typical costs:

• Local move: $1,000 – $3,000

• Junk removal: $300+

• Storage: $100 – $500/month

🧾 6. Capital Gains Tax (Sometimes)

If the home has appreciated significantly and isn’t your primary residence, you may owe capital gains tax. However, estate and probate sales often have exclusions or basis step-ups—consult a tax advisor for clarity.

🎯 My Final Thoughts

Selling your home is more than just sticking a sign in the yard. It’s about preparation, strategy, and protecting your equity. When probate is involved, the process can feel even more complex—but with the right guidance, you can move forward smoothly.

✨ My role as a Probate Specialist is to help families navigate the legal, financial, and emotional details that come with selling an inherited property. Whether you’re planning ahead or in the middle of the process, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

📞 Need help selling a property—probate or otherwise?
Let’s talk. I specialize in helping New York families turn uncertainty into clarity when it comes to selling a home.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and therefore we are not offering legal advice. 

My team and I can assist you with clean outs, removal of household items, estate sale, winterizing, landscaping, home maintenance and any other non-legal tasks that will help to lighten the load as you go through the probate process. Give us a call at 516-300-2427 or send an email to smbizsol@gmail.com.