The True Cost of Selling a Home in Milton
Selling your home marks an exciting new chapter, but it’s also a major financial transaction, and the true costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
Between real estate commissions, legal fees, staging, and moving expenses, many homeowners are surprised by how much it really takes to close the deal.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, understanding the full picture will help you avoid unexpected expenses, make smarter decisions, and walk away with more in your pocket.
Keep reading to uncover the real cost of selling a home in Milton, and how to stay one step ahead.
Real Estate Commission Fees in Ontario
Real estate commissions are typically the largest expense when selling a home. In Milton, commission rates can range between 4% and 5% of the final sale price, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.
On a $900,000 home, that can add up to anywhere between $36,000 and $45,000. While this might seem steep, the expertise of a professional real estate team often helps you sell faster and for more money, covering the commission cost with a higher sale price.
It’s worth discussing commission structures with your realtor upfront to know which services they include, from professional photography to comprehensive marketing.
Legal and Closing Fees in Milton
Once you accept an offer, you’ll need to consider the legal and closing fees and hire a real estate lawyer for the legal paperwork, title transfer, and disbursement of funds. In Milton, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for these services, with the final amount varying depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Other closing costs can include mortgage discharge fees and adjustments for utilities or property taxes. These expenses are sometimes overlooked but can impact your bottom line, so be sure to factor them in early.
Home Staging and Marketing Expenses
A well-staged home can sell faster and above asking price, especially in Milton’s competitive housing market. While some agents include staging and photography in their commission, others might charge extra.
Full
home staging can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on the property size and the level of design work required. Professional marketing, including 3D tours, social media ads, and video walkthroughs, can cost several hundred dollars if you’re paying out of pocket.
These investments help your home stand out to buyers and can result in a stronger final offer.
Moving and Carrying Costs
Hiring professional movers in Milton can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on factors such as home size, distance, timing, packing services, and the presence of specialty items like pianos or antiques.
Carrying costs refer to the ongoing expenses associated with owning a home, including mortgage payments,
property taxes, utilities, and insurance. These costs can overlap if you buy your next property before your current one closes, or even if your home sells quickly but the possession date leaves you with a gap before you can move into your new place.
In these cases, you might also face temporary storage or rental costs. Planning your timelines carefully or exploring bridge financing can make these transitions easier and avoid surprise expenses.
Strategies to Mitigate Costs
There are several ways to manage and even reduce all these expenses we’re talking about. The right real estate team will save you money in the long run, as they’ll price your home right, market it effectively, and negotiate the best deal.
You can also consider partial staging, which focuses on key rooms, such as the living room and kitchen, to keep staging costs down. Comparing quotes from lawyers and movers ahead of time can help prevent overspending. Minor DIY updates, such as fresh paint or landscaping, can boost value without breaking the bank.
Working with experts who know Milton’s market can also help you avoid common mistakes, like incorrectly pricing your home too low or too high, skipping necessary legal steps, or letting emotions drive negotiations.
Ready to Sell Your Milton Home?
Knowing all the costs of selling a home, including commissions, staging, and moving expenses, can help you create a realistic budget and maximize your profits.
When it’s time to put your home on the market, having an experienced team in your corner can turn an overwhelming experience into a positive one.
Contact Flowers Team Real Estate today, and we’ll help answer all your questions — even the ones you didn’t even know you had yet.
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