It’s not uncommon to ask “how much does it cost to sell a house in Ohio?”, but the answer is going to depend on a long list of variables. You’ll need to think about the home’s sale price, location, and even the typical costs involved for the specific type of real estate transaction being conducted. This makes it critical to know how much it costs just to sell a house, from real estate agent commissions to closing costs, legal fees, and taxes; things can spiral quickly.
Ohio homeowners who may be looking to start the selling process should be aware of the selling costs, because they can be a significant expense when they aren’t expected. Knowing what to expect and how much it’s going to cost is the first step in keeping more money in your pocket at the closing table.
On average, home sellers in Ohio should be looking to spend between 8% and 10% of the home’s sale price on selling costs. This might seem like a lot, and that’s because it is, which is why knowing about it ahead of time can save your entire sale.
The biggest portion of the costs generally comes from the commission fees for the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Depending on the transaction, these can total 5%-6% of the final selling price.
Next, you’ll need to think about the closing fees. These are the last-minute fees needed to finalize the title search, recording fees, and transfer taxes. When closing in Ohio, the seller pays another 2%-4% of the purchase price to cover these costs.
Other expenses, such as seller concessions toward the buyer’s closing costs, can also increase the total. These are more common in a slow market, where offering to help with closing table costs can attract prospective buyers. Knowing the typical ranges can help you budget much more effectively for the sale process.
It’s not uncommon for real estate agent commissions to be the largest single cost in an Ohio home sale. Standard commission fees in the state range from 5 to 6 percent of the home’s sale price, with the amount typically split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. For example, if your home sells for $200,000, you can expect to pay around $10,000 to $12,000 in agent commissions.
On the surface, this seems like a massive expense, but the services of an experienced real estate agent can often bring in more prospective buyers. Relying on them is also more common than not, with nearly 60% of home buyers leaning on an agent in some way.
They can also help boost the final selling price through dedicated negotiation. Not all sellers choose percentage-based services, and some use flat-fee brokers or similar discount channels to lower their cost to sell.
Beyond commissions, sellers in Ohio must also budget for closing costs. These fees typically add another 2%-4% of the selling price. In many counties, the seller pays the conveyance fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the property value.
Depending on the local laws and the results of the negotiations, sellers might also agree to cover part of the buyer’s closing costs or their real estate attorney fees. These seller concessions are incredibly valuable in boosting the home’s appeal and attracting potential buyers, especially in a slow market.
The downside is that they end up reducing the seller’s net proceeds, so if you’re selling a house, you’ll need to weigh what’s more important to you. If a buyer is looking for concessions for legal fees, property taxes, or other costs that the seller is not willing to cover, for whatever reason, it can end up dragging out the whole timeline for the closing process.
Taxes can play a major role in the cost to sell a house in Ohio. The most common concern is capital gains taxes, which apply when the selling price is higher than your original purchase price.
If the property has been your primary residence for at least two of the past five years, you may qualify for an exemption of up to $250,000 for single filers or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Not every seller will owe capital gains, but it is important to calculate your remaining balance after mortgage payoff and closing costs to see where you stand. Keep in mind that transfer taxes and prorated property taxes can also affect your net.
For those selling investment properties or a second home, the rules differ, and capital gains taxes are more likely. Working with a tax advisor or real estate lawyer ensures you comply with both federal guidelines and local laws. Your tax adviser can also give you direction on loss harvesting if you’re selling a house to a cash buyer, or how to factor in things like the cost of living in Ohio into the “bigger picture” decision-making process.
Even though the most visible costs are typically the commissions and closing costs, sellers can face additional costs that buyers may not deal with every time.
Hiring a real estate lawyer is a strong recommendation, but in some situations and locations, it may be required. This is often the case when the property has a complex or high-value title, or when there are potential title disputes in play. Legal fees will vary wildly, but they are one of the most common fees involved with selling a house in Ohio.
Another cost that can catch sellers off guard is the home prep costs. This is the cost to boost curb appeal, or of making minor, even major repairs to the house, or arranging for professional staging. While this may make your home stand out to prospective buyers, it can also radically increase your total costs, and while today’s market may support that, tomorrow’s may not, so keep that in mind.
You can’t forget about the moving costs, either. In many cases, these can be minimized by doing most of the work yourself, but they typically can’t be eliminated; you’ll almost always need to buy boxes and other packing supplies at some point. You’re also making a substantial time investment, and your time always has value.
As a seller, you can often find alternative options, like flat fee service or discount brokers, that can help limit expenses, but these come with their own limits, risks, and potential drawbacks.
First impressions matter. Investing in curb appeal can make your property more attractive to prospective buyers and improve its home value.
Simple projects like fresh landscaping, painting the front door, or replacing worn fixtures are relatively low-cost projects that enhance your home’s appeal.
Inside, staging helps potential buyers imagine the home as their own. Decluttering, deep cleaning, and rearranging furniture are inexpensive steps. Professional staging can be a significant expense, but it often pays off with more offers and a higher selling price.
Consider optional costs like updated lighting or new flooring if your budget allows. These improvements are particularly useful in a slow market, where most buyers have many homes to compare. Whether you’re thinking about making small upgrades or larger changes, think about the total costs versus the potential return.
Knowing what you’ll be walking away from the closing table with is absolutely critical. First, start with your home’s sale price, then immediately subtract any outstanding mortgage balance amount, then real estate commissions, and closing costs.
Be sure you include closing fees like transfer taxes and prorated property taxes. Also, account for your moving costs and any seller concessions you agreed to cover.
If the property isn’t your primary residence, you’re also looking at capital gains taxes, so if that sounds like your situation, be sure you talk to a tax advisor about how best to factor that in.
If you’re looking to move quickly, H3 helps give you flexible options that can flatten the whole process to a fraction of its typical timeline. Whether you’re a homeowner in Xenia or Cincinnati, you can sell your house fast and get on with your life. We give you a path to keep more of your money in your pocket while cutting out all of the typical stress that comes with selling a house.
The cost to sell a house in Ohio includes many moving parts, from agent commissions to closing costs and taxes. While these expenses can add up, knowing what to expect helps you plan, avoid surprises, and make stronger financial decisions.
Traditional sales often mean high fees, repairs, and delays. By comparison, selling directly to H3 Homebuyers cuts out the complexity and expense. If you’re ready to move forward without the stress of extra fees or drawn-out negotiations, reach out today to start the process with a trusted Ohio homebuyer.
