When selling a home in Southeastern North Carolina, your final closing disclosure can be an eye-opener. In New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, sellers typically pay between 6% and 9% of the sale price in total transaction costs. While the largest single expense is the real estate commission, transfer taxes, title fees, and concessions all play a major role. With strategic planning, you can lower these costs and keep more of your equity.

1. The Biggest Win: Negotiate the Agent Commission

Commission is the largest seller expense in North Carolina, commonly 5%–6% of the sale price, split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent. State law requires that all commissions be negotiable, meaning sellers can reduce this cost with the right approach.

• Use Leverage: Homes that are high-priced, unique, or located in ultra-competitive areas like Wrightsville Beach require less marketing effort. That reduced workload gives you leverage to negotiate lower commission rates.
• Buying and Selling With the Same Agent: Many agents will reduce the listing commission if they represent you on your next purchase.
• Discount and Flat-Fee Models: Some brokerages offer listing services for a reduced rate. Always weigh the potential savings against the quality of photography, marketing, negotiation skill, and agent availability.
• Clarify Compensation Early: Ensure your listing agreement spells out exactly what you pay your agent and what they will offer to the buyer’s agent.

2. Strategically Manage Buyer Concessions

Seller concessions can be expensive, but when used strategically, they may increase your net proceeds rather than lower them.

• Offer Credits Instead of Reducing Price: A $5,000 credit toward the buyer’s closing costs can make your home more affordable while keeping your sale price intact. In many cases, the higher sale price helps support appraisal value.
• Know Loan Limits: Concessions must comply with loan guidelines. For example, FHA allows seller credits up to 6%, while Conventional caps vary based on down payment.

3. Shop Around for Settlement Services

Sellers must pay several key fees to transfer clear title to the buyer, but some of these costs are negotiable or can be reduced.

• Title Insurance Savings: Because sellers typically pay for the Owner’s Title Insurance Policy in North Carolina, ask for a reissue rate if you purchased your home recently. This can reduce your cost significantly.
• Attorney Fees: Although closing must be handled by a licensed North Carolina attorney, sellers often hire their own counsel to prepare the deed. Request a flat fee to avoid unpredictable hourly billing.

4. Time Your Closing Date Wisely (Property Tax Prorations)

While not a massive savings, timing can improve your cash flow on the closing statement.

• Understand Tax Prorations: North Carolina prorates property taxes to the exact day of closing. If you have already paid the annual tax bill, you will receive a credit back from the buyer for the portion of the year they will own the home.
• Cash-Flow Advantage: The total tax cost is unchanged, but your closing cash requirement varies depending on timing.

5. Mortgage Payoff and HOA Fees

Although you can’t negotiate your mortgage balance, you can take steps to avoid unnecessary additional charges at closing.

• Review Your Payoff Statement: Some loans include prepayment penalties. While uncommon today, older mortgages or non-qualified loans may carry these fees.
• Analyze HOA Fees: Sellers are responsible for HOA dues up to the day of closing, along with any transfer, estoppel, or inspection fees. In some communities, these charges can be negotiated with the buyer.

Aspyre Realty Group: Your Guide to Netting More

Reducing closing costs is ultimately about increasing your net proceeds, not just the headline sale price. Smart planning, early negotiation, and knowing where to push for savings are the keys to maximizing profit.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we track rezoning activity, monitor new home supply from regional and national builders, and analyze infrastructure trends. With this expertise, we help sellers build strategies that minimize costs and maximize the money they take home.