Seller Closing Costs in California
What it costs to sell a home in California, itemized in plain terms, with a calculator pre-loaded with California defaults.
Estimates for planning, not a settlement statement. Confirm final figures with your title company.
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The seller's costs, line by line
Selling a home in California carries a handful of predictable costs. Here is a sample on a $400,000 sale. Your numbers will differ; the calculator below runs them for you.
Sample breakdown on a $400,000 sale
Agent commission (about 5.5%): $22,000
Negotiable, and since the 2024 settlement, buyer-agent compensation is agreed separately rather than assumed.
Transfer tax: $440
California has a documentary transfer tax, and many cities add their own on top, so rates vary widely.
Title, escrow, and settlement: $4,000
Roughly 1% of the price, varies by county and provider.
Recording and misc: $150
Small fixed fees to record the deed.
Estimated total
About $26,590 on $400,000, most of it commission. On your own sale price the share stays similar, so the calculator is the fastest way to a real number.
Frequently asked
How much are seller closing costs in California?
On a $400,000 sale, a California seller often sees roughly $26,590 in total costs, most of it the agent commission. California also charges a transfer tax. Use the calculator for your own numbers.
Who pays closing costs in California?
The seller typically covers the commission, any transfer tax, title and settlement fees, and their mortgage payoff. Buyers usually cover lender and inspection costs. Every split is negotiable in the contract.
Can a California seller reduce closing costs?
The largest line is commission, which is negotiable. Shopping title and settlement providers can help too. The transfer tax is set by law and is not negotiable.
Closing cost guides for other states
Virginia, Washington, Kentucky, Arizona, Alaska, Utah.
Prefer the interactive version? Use the California net sheet calculator.