You Just Sold Your East Bay Home for $1.8 Million.
Everyone congratulates you.
Your friend says:
"You just made $1.8 million!"
Your neighbor says:
"Wow. You're going to walk away with a fortune."
And you start thinking about what you're going to do with all that money.
Maybe:
Buy your next home.
Pay off debt.
Invest.
Retire.
Help your children.
Move out of state.
Then escrow sends you the preliminary closing statement.
And suddenly you see:
Mortgage payoff.
Escrow.
Title.
Transfer taxes.
Credits.
Repairs.
HOA charges.
Other expenses.
And you realize something:
The sale price is not your net proceeds.
That distinction is one of the most important things an East Bay seller needs to understand.
The Number That Actually Matters
If you remember only one thing from this article, remember this:
Sale Price ≠ Net Proceeds
Your home might sell for:
$1,800,000
but that doesn't mean:
$1,800,000
is going into your bank account.
Your actual proceeds are closer to:
Sale Price
minus
Selling Expenses
minus
Mortgage and Other Payoffs
plus/minus
Prorations and Adjustments
equals:
Estimated Net Proceeds
That's the number you should be planning around.
Let's Use a Realistic Example
Imagine you sell your Danville home for:
$1,800,000
You still owe:
$650,000
on your mortgage.
Your selling-related expenses and adjustments total:
$150,000
Your approximate proceeds would be:
$1,000,000
before accounting for any additional transaction-specific items or tax considerations.
You didn't "make" $1.8 million.
You sold an asset for $1.8 million and, after applicable costs and debt payoff, may receive approximately $1 million.
That's a very different number.
The First Big Cost: Agent Compensation
This is one of the largest potential expenses in a real estate transaction.
But there is an important distinction:
Real estate compensation is negotiable.
There isn't one mandatory commission percentage that every seller must pay.
The California DRE notes that commission rates are negotiable and describes compensation as a fee paid for real estate services.
The actual amount and structure should be clearly established in your agreement with your agent.
Don't Automatically Assume Every Realtor Charges the Same
They don't.
You may encounter:
Different compensation structures.
Different service models.
Different marketing packages.
Different levels of involvement.
Different approaches to buyer-side compensation.
The important question isn't simply:
"What's your percentage?"
It should be:
"What am I receiving for that compensation?"
Cheap Isn't Always Cheap
Suppose Realtor A charges less.
But provides:
Minimal marketing.
Limited communication.
Basic photography.
Little strategic guidance.
Meanwhile Realtor B charges more but provides:
Professional marketing.
Strategic pricing.
Extensive buyer outreach.
Negotiation.
Transaction management.
Strong communication.
The cheaper service isn't necessarily cheaper if the strategy results in a weaker sale.
The Goal Isn't to Minimize Every Expense
This is an important distinction.
You don't want:
The cheapest sale.
You want:
The best net outcome.
Spending:
$5,000
to improve presentation might be smart if it helps produce:
A substantially better result.
Spending:
$20,000
on improvements that buyers don't value may be a waste.
The question is:
What's the expected return?
Cost #2: Escrow
Escrow is another potential seller expense.
California DRE explains that escrow is a neutral process that handles funds and documents and helps ensure the conditions of the transaction are satisfied before closing.
Who pays escrow fees?
It depends on the contract.
California purchase agreements allocate various expenses between buyer and seller, and the parties can negotiate certain allocations.
Northern California Can Be Different
This is particularly relevant to you if you're selling in the East Bay.
California DRE's escrow guidance notes that in Northern California, title companies commonly perform both title and escrow functions, while Southern California often uses separate title and escrow companies.
That regional difference can affect how charges appear on the closing statement.
Cost #3: Title
Title-related charges can include:
Title search.
Owner's title insurance.
Other title services.
Who pays for what?
It depends on the contract and local practice.
The California purchase agreement specifically identifies owner title insurance and allows the parties to specify who pays.
This is another reason sellers should never assume:
"The seller always pays this."
Cost #4: Transfer Taxes
This is one of the costs sellers sometimes overlook.
California transactions can involve:
County documentary transfer tax
and, depending on the location:
City transfer tax or transfer fee.
The standard California purchase agreement specifically addresses both county and city transfer taxes and allows the parties to designate who pays them.
Why East Bay Sellers Need to Pay Attention
Different cities and counties can have different transfer-tax structures.
That means:
The property address matters.
A seller in:
Danville
may not have exactly the same transfer-tax situation as a seller in:
San Francisco.
Or:
Oakland.
Or another California city.
Don't rely on a generic internet calculator.
Ask escrow for a property-specific estimate.
Cost #5: Your Mortgage Payoff
This isn't technically a "selling cost" in the same way escrow or title fees are.
But from the seller's perspective:
It is a major deduction from the proceeds.
Suppose you sell for:
$1,800,000
and owe:
$700,000
on your mortgage.
That:
$700,000
generally needs to be paid off through escrow.
Your net proceeds aren't:
$1.8 million.
You're starting from:
$1.1 million
before other applicable expenses and adjustments.
Don't Forget the HELOC
Maybe you have:
$700,000 mortgage
plus:
$100,000 HELOC.
Now your total debt secured by the property could be:
$800,000
That's why your Realtor and escrow company need to know about:
Every loan.
Every HELOC.
Every lien.
What About an Old Loan You Paid Off Years Ago?
This is where title can become important.
Sometimes a debt was paid off but the corresponding lien wasn't properly released in the public record.
That can create a title issue.
The DRE explains that title searches identify ownership history and liens or encumbrances.
The sooner you discover something like that:
The better.
Cost #6: Seller Credits
This is a big one.
A buyer may negotiate:
A closing-cost credit.
Repair credit.
Other concession.
Imagine you accept:
$1,800,000
but agree to:
$20,000 credit.
Your effective economics have changed.
You're no longer looking at a simple:
$1.8 million
transaction.
This Is Why We Talked About Net Proceeds in Blog #62
Remember the highest-offer discussion?
An offer at:
$1,850,000
with:
$40,000 credit
may not be as attractive as it initially appears.
Compare the entire deal.
Not just the headline number.
Cost #7: Repairs
This is one of the most unpredictable seller expenses.
You might spend:
$2,000
or:
$20,000
or:
$50,000+
depending on the property.
Possible items include:
Roof.
Electrical.
Plumbing.
HVAC.
Termite work.
Drainage.
Painting.
Flooring.
Structural work.
Safety improvements.
Should You Repair Everything?
Absolutely not.
At least not automatically.
The right question is:
"Which improvements are most likely to improve the sale?"
A $10,000 Repair Isn't Automatically Worth $10,000
Suppose you spend:
$10,000
on an improvement.
If buyers only value it at:
$3,000,
you just spent:
$7,000
that may not have been necessary.
But the Opposite Can Also Be True
Suppose:
$8,000
of deferred maintenance is making buyers nervous.
Fixing it could:
Improve the home's presentation.
Reduce buyer objections.
Reduce inspection negotiations.
Improve buyer confidence.
Potentially making it a very good investment.
Cost #8: Staging
Staging can be another seller expense.
Depending on the property, staging may involve:
Furniture rental.
Artwork.
Accessories.
Consultation.
Installation.
Removal.
Some sellers need extensive staging.
Others may only need:
Decluttering.
Rearranging.
Editing personal items.
Again:
The property determines the strategy.
Does Staging Always Make Sense?
No.
A vacant luxury property may benefit enormously from staging.
A beautifully furnished home may need very little.
A rental property may require a different approach.
The goal isn't:
"Stage because everyone stages."
It's:
"Present the home in the way that best appeals to its target buyer."
Cost #9: Photography and Marketing
Professional photography is another potential expense.
Other marketing costs can include:
Video.
Drone photography.
Floor plans.
Property websites.
Print materials.
Digital advertising.
Open-house materials.
Direct marketing.
Social media campaigns.
Not every property needs every service.
Marketing Is an Investment
Think of it this way:
If your home is worth:
$1.5 million
and excellent marketing helps attract just one additional qualified buyer who improves your final price by:
$25,000,
the marketing expense could be extremely small relative to the potential return.
But Marketing Cannot Fix Bad Pricing
You could create:
The greatest video in California.
If the home is:
$200,000 overpriced,
buyers aren't suddenly going to forget comparable sales.
Marketing creates:
Attention.
Pricing converts attention into:
Offers.
Cost #10: Cleaning
Don't underestimate this.
Before photography:
Deep cleaning.
Before showings:
Maintenance cleaning.
Before closing:
Move-out cleaning.
Depending on the property, you may also need:
Carpet cleaning.
Window cleaning.
Pressure washing.
Garage cleaning.
Junk removal.
Cost #11: Landscaping
The exterior is the buyer's first impression.
Potential costs include:
Yard cleanup.
Mulch.
Trimming.
Pruning.
Lawn care.
Pressure washing.
Tree work.
Irrigation repairs.
Again, the goal isn't to create a botanical garden.
It's to make the property look:
Well cared for.
Cost #12: HOA Charges
If you own a condo or HOA property, there can be transaction-related charges.
The California purchase agreement specifically addresses HOA disclosure preparation fees, certification fees and transfer fees, with responsibility depending on the applicable provisions and negotiated terms.
Potential items can include:
Document preparation.
Certification.
Transfer-related fees.
Other association charges.
HOA Sellers Should Get Documents Early
If you're selling an HOA property, don't wait until escrow to discover:
"The HOA needs three weeks to provide something."
Get ahead of it.
Cost #13: Property Tax Adjustments
Property taxes may be prorated or adjusted through escrow depending on:
Closing date.
Tax payment status.
County billing cycle.
Applicable contractual arrangements.
This is why the final closing statement matters.
The DRE identifies property-tax adjustments among the financial items that may be reflected in closing transactions.
This Doesn't Mean You're Paying Someone's Taxes Twice
Escrow is accounting for:
Who owned the property
for:
Which period.
These adjustments can appear confusing if you're not used to reading settlement statements.
Ask questions.
Cost #14: Utilities and Final Services
You may have costs associated with:
Final cleaning.
Utilities.
Landscaping.
Trash removal.
Moving.
Storage.
These may not be traditional "closing costs," but they are still part of your overall cost of selling.
Cost #15: Moving
Here's one sellers often forget.
You're selling a:
$1.8 million house.
But you're also moving:
Four bedrooms.
Three bathrooms.
A garage.
A backyard.
Twenty years of stuff.
The movers aren't free.
Depending on the situation, you may need:
Professional movers.
Storage.
Packing services.
Temporary housing.
Transportation.
Your actual cost of relocating can be substantial.
Cost #16: Temporary Housing
If your sale closes before your next home is ready, you may need:
Hotel.
Short-term rental.
Extended-stay housing.
Storage.
This is another reason why the closing and possession strategy matters.
Cost #17: Seller Financing Costs
Most seller costs aren't related to obtaining a new mortgage.
But if you're carrying financing or have specialized loan structures, there may be:
Payoff requirements.
Prepayment considerations.
Other lender-specific charges.
Ask your lender or escrow professional.
Cost #18: Capital Gains Taxes
Now we're entering a completely different category.
A seller may have tax implications from the sale.
But:
Not every seller owes capital gains tax.
The tax treatment can depend on factors such as:
How long you've owned the property.
How long you've lived there.
Your tax basis.
Improvements.
Prior use.
Whether it was an investment property.
Depreciation.
Applicable exclusions.
Other circumstances.
This is why you should speak with a:
CPA or qualified tax professional.
Your Realtor should not be determining your tax liability.
Your Sale Price Isn't Your Taxable Gain
This is another common misunderstanding.
Selling for:
$1.8 million
doesn't automatically mean:
$1.8 million taxable gain.
Tax calculations can be much more complicated.
Your tax basis and applicable rules matter.
What About the Home Sale Exclusion?
Some qualifying homeowners may be able to exclude part of a gain from federal income taxation under applicable rules.
But don't assume you qualify.
And don't rely on a Realtor's quick calculation.
Talk to your tax professional.
What About an Investment Property?
This is where things can become significantly more complicated.
You may have:
Depreciation.
Rental history.
Adjusted basis.
Capital improvements.
Potential tax consequences.
Potential 1031 exchange considerations.
If this applies to you:
Talk to your CPA before listing.
Not after closing.
Cost #19: Potential 1031 Exchange Expenses
If you're considering a 1031 exchange for an investment property, there can be:
Qualified intermediary fees.
Additional transaction requirements.
Strict timing rules.
Don't wait until closing to investigate.
A 1031 exchange needs to be planned correctly from the beginning.
Cost #20: Pre-Sale Inspections
A seller may choose to obtain:
Home inspection.
Roof inspection.
Pest inspection.
Sewer inspection.
Structural inspection.
Other specialized inspections.
Why?
Because:
Knowledge is leverage.
Would You Rather Discover a Problem Before or After an Offer?
Before:
You can:
Repair it.
Price around it.
Disclose it.
Prepare for negotiation.
After:
You may be:
Negotiating under pressure.
But Inspections Aren't Free
That's the trade-off.
You're spending money upfront to potentially:
Reduce uncertainty.
Whether that makes sense depends on the property.
Cost #21: Permit and Documentation Issues
Suppose you remodeled:
The kitchen.
Bathroom.
Garage.
Addition.
but you're unsure whether permits were pulled.
That could create:
Research costs.
Contractor costs.
Potential correction costs.
Again:
Discover it early.
Cost #22: Solar
If your home has solar, the transaction may involve:
Lease transfer.
Loan payoff.
Assumption.
Documentation.
Buyer qualification.
The financial treatment depends on the specific solar agreement.
Don't treat solar as simply:
"It's already on the roof."
Cost #23: Special Assessments
If your property has an HOA or another assessment:
you need to understand:
What is currently due?
What has been approved?
What is pending?
Who pays under the contract?
These items can affect your net proceeds.
Cost #24: Repair Credits Instead of Repairs
Sometimes a seller chooses to provide:
A credit
instead of:
Completing the repair.
This can be convenient.
But remember:
A credit still costs money.
The advantage is that it may reduce:
Time.
Contractor coordination.
Seller responsibility for completing the work.
Again:
It's a strategic decision.
Cost #25: Price Reductions
This is perhaps the most expensive "cost" of all.
Imagine you initially price your home:
$1,900,000
and eventually reduce it to:
$1,800,000.
That:
$100,000
price reduction dwarfs many of the other expenses we've discussed.
This is why pricing strategy matters so much.
The Most Expensive Line Item May Be the One You Can't See
A seller might spend:
$8,000 staging.
$4,000 repairs.
$2,000 landscaping.
and complain:
"Selling this house is expensive."
But if those expenses help the seller avoid a:
$75,000 price reduction,
they may have been extremely worthwhile.
This Is Why Net Proceeds Matter
Instead of asking:
"How much does it cost to sell my house?"
ask:
"What will I likely net after selling?"
That's a much more useful question.
Let's Build a Hypothetical East Bay Seller Net
Suppose your home sells for:
$1,800,000
Now let's assume:
Agent compensation and/or agreed buyer-side compensation: $75,000
Escrow/title/transaction charges: $8,000
Transfer taxes and related charges: $4,500
Seller credit: $15,000
Repairs: $7,500
HOA/document charges: $1,000
Other adjustments: $4,000
Total estimated selling-related deductions:
$115,000
Now:
$1,800,000
minus:
$115,000
equals:
$1,685,000
Then suppose your mortgage payoff is:
$650,000
Estimated proceeds:
$1,035,000
Again:
This is a hypothetical example—not a quote.
Actual costs vary significantly by transaction.
Notice What Happened
The home sold for:
$1.8 million
But the seller may receive roughly:
$1.035 million
That's a difference of:
$765,000
Most of that difference isn't "selling cost."
A large portion is:
Debt payoff.
That's why it's so important to distinguish:
Selling expenses
from:
Mortgage payoff.
Selling Costs vs. Debt
This distinction is critical.
Suppose:
Sale price: $1.8M
Selling expenses: $115K
Mortgage payoff: $650K
Your proceeds are:
$1.035M
But you didn't "lose":
$765K
to selling costs.
You used:
$650K
to pay off debt.
That's completely different.
Equity Is What You've Built
Your approximate equity before selling expenses is:
Market value
minus
Debt
So:
$1.8M - $650K
equals:
$1.15M
Then you subtract selling-related expenses.
That's a much clearer way to think about the transaction.
Why Your Realtor Should Provide a Seller Net Sheet
Before you list, ask for:
A projected seller net sheet.
It should help you estimate:
Sale price.
Estimated compensation.
Escrow.
Title.
Transfer taxes.
Credits.
Payoffs.
Other adjustments.
Estimated proceeds.
But Don't Treat the First Net Sheet as Final
The net sheet is:
An estimate.
The final closing statement can change because:
The sale price changes.
Credits change.
Taxes change.
Payoffs change.
Repair costs change.
Escrow charges change.
Other items change.
Your Mortgage Payoff Is Especially Important
Don't assume:
"I owe $650,000."
Ask escrow/lender for an actual payoff.
Why?
Because the final payoff can include:
Accrued interest.
Fees.
Other lender-specific amounts.
The exact figure should come from the appropriate source.
What If You Have Two Mortgages?
Then you need:
Two payoff statements.
And both need to be accounted for.
What If the Property Is in a Trust?
This can add another layer of paperwork.
The escrow/title team may need:
Trust documents.
Certification of trust.
Trustee information.
Other documentation.
This is another reason to start early.
What If One Owner Has Passed Away?
That can create additional title and estate considerations.
If this applies:
Talk to the appropriate legal and title professionals before listing.
Don't wait until escrow discovers the issue.
What If You Are Going Through a Divorce?
Again, ownership and proceeds can become complicated.
Your Realtor can help with the transaction.
But:
Your attorney
and:
Tax professional
should address the legal and tax implications.
What If You Owe More Than the Home Is Worth?
That's a completely different situation.
Suppose:
Home value: $900,000
Loans and liens: $925,000
You may not have enough equity to cover:
Debt
plus:
Selling expenses.
This can potentially become a:
Short-sale situation
or require other solutions.
If you think this might apply to you:
Get professional advice before listing.
The Best Time to Calculate Your Net Proceeds
Not:
After accepting an offer.
Not:
The day before closing.
Not:
When you're already shopping for your next house.
The best time is:
Before you list.
Why?
Because your net proceeds affect:
Your asking price.
Your next purchase.
Your moving budget.
Your retirement plans.
Your investment plans.
Your debt payoff.
Your overall financial strategy.
What If You Need $1 Million From the Sale?
This changes your pricing strategy.
Suppose you need:
$1,000,000 net
after selling.
If your projected costs and debt payoff require a higher sale price:
you need to know that:
Before listing.
Don't Fall in Love With the Gross Number
It's easy to say:
"My house is worth $1.8 million."
But the more important question may be:
"How much cash will I actually have after the transaction?"
That's the number that helps you plan your next move.
The Seller Net Sheet Is a Planning Tool
It can help answer:
Can I afford my next house?
Can I pay off my debt?
Can I retire?
Can I invest?
Can I move out of state?
Can I buy without financing?
How much cash will I have available?
That's much more useful than simply knowing the estimated market value.
Don't Forget the Difference Between Price and Equity
Suppose your home is worth:
$1.8M
and you owe:
$1.4M.
You may hear:
"You're selling an $1.8 million home!"
But your gross equity is only:
$400,000
before selling expenses.
That's a very different financial picture.
What If Your Home Is Fully Paid Off?
Now your net may be substantially closer to the sale price.
But you still have:
Selling expenses.
Transfer taxes.
Escrow/title.
Potential repairs.
Credits.
Other costs.
Paid-off doesn't mean:
Cost-free.
What About a $3 Million Home?
The same principles apply.
The absolute dollar amounts can become significantly larger.
That's why high-value sellers should be especially careful about:
Pricing.
Negotiation.
Credits.
Compensation.
Taxes.
Net proceeds.
A small percentage difference on a multi-million-dollar transaction can represent:
Tens of thousands of dollars.
What About a $700,000 Home?
Same principle.
The percentages may be similar, but the dollar amounts are different.
The strategy should always be:
Property-specific.
The East Bay Has a Wide Range of Seller Situations
A:
$700,000 condo
in one market isn't the same as:
$1.3M suburban home
or:
$2.5M Danville property.
Different:
Buyers.
Costs.
HOAs.
Transfer taxes.
Financing.
Marketing.
Repair expectations.
The net sheet should reflect the actual property.
The Cost You Shouldn't Try to Save Money On
There is one expense that can become extremely expensive if handled poorly:
Professional advice.
I'm not saying:
"Hire the most expensive person."
I'm saying:
Know when you need an expert.
That could mean:
Realtor
for:
Pricing and negotiation.
Escrow/title
for:
Transaction accounting and closing.
CPA
for:
Tax questions.
Attorney
for:
Legal questions.
Contractor
for:
Repair questions.
Each professional has a different role.
Don't Ask Your Realtor to Be Your CPA
And don't ask your CPA to negotiate your inspection response.
And don't ask your contractor to interpret your purchase contract.
Use the right professional for the right question.
The Bottom Line
Selling an East Bay home can involve a lot more than:
"Pay the Realtor and you're done."
Your transaction may include:
Agent compensation.
Escrow.
Title.
Transfer taxes.
Credits.
Repairs.
Staging.
Cleaning.
Landscaping.
HOA charges.
Mortgage payoff.
Property-tax adjustments.
Moving.
Temporary housing.
Potential tax consequences.
And potentially other transaction-specific expenses.
But here's the most important point:
Don't focus only on the cost.
Focus on:
The net.
A $20,000 expense that helps generate an additional $50,000 may be a great investment.
A $10,000 expense that generates no meaningful benefit may not be.
A $50,000 higher offer that comes with a $40,000 credit and greater risk may not be as attractive as it first appears.
And a $100,000 price reduction caused by overpricing can cost far more than most preparation expenses ever would.
Before You List Your East Bay Home, Know Three Numbers
Number One:
What is my home realistically worth?
Number Two:
What will it likely cost to sell?
Number Three:
What will I actually net?
Once you know those three numbers:
you can make much better decisions.
You can decide:
Whether to sell.
When to sell.
How much to spend preparing.
How to price.
Which offer to accept.
How much you can spend on your next home.
And ultimately:
What your next chapter looks like.
Because the goal of selling your East Bay home isn't simply to get a big number on a purchase agreement.
It's to turn the equity you've built into the outcome you actually want.
Waleed "Walter" Akbar
Everhome Real Estate
📞 (510) 541-1610
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a home in California?
There is no single fixed percentage that applies to every seller. Costs can include negotiated real estate compensation, escrow and title charges, transfer taxes, repairs, credits, HOA charges and other transaction-specific expenses.
Is there a standard real estate commission in California?
No single mandatory commission percentage applies to every transaction. Compensation is negotiable and should be clearly established in the applicable agreement.
Who pays escrow fees?
It depends on the purchase agreement and negotiated terms. California purchase agreements provide for allocation of escrow fees between buyer and seller.
Who pays title insurance in California?
The allocation depends on the contract and local practice. The California purchase agreement specifically provides for the parties to designate who pays the owner's title insurance policy.
Does the seller pay transfer taxes?
It depends on the applicable transaction and agreement. County and city transfer taxes are specifically addressed in California's standard purchase agreement and can be allocated according to the contract.
What is a seller net sheet?
A seller net sheet is an estimate showing what you may receive from the sale after estimated selling expenses, credits, payoffs and other adjustments.
Is a seller net sheet guaranteed?
No. It is an estimate. Actual figures can change before closing.
Does my mortgage payoff count as a selling cost?
It is a deduction from your sale proceeds, but it is more accurately considered repayment of your existing debt rather than a transaction expense like escrow or title.
What happens to my HELOC when I sell?
A HELOC secured by the property generally needs to be addressed in the closing process, including any applicable payoff and release requirements.
Can repairs reduce my net proceeds?
Yes. If you pay for repairs before or during the transaction, that money reduces your overall proceeds. However, certain repairs may help improve the property's marketability or reduce buyer negotiations.
Should I repair everything before selling?
No. The right repairs depend on the property, market, price range and expected return on investment.
Are staging costs worth it?
They can be, depending on the property. Staging may improve presentation and buyer perception, but sellers should evaluate the expected benefit relative to the cost.
Do I have to stage my home?
No. The appropriate marketing strategy depends on the property and its target buyers.
What about seller credits?
Seller credits reduce the seller's economic proceeds and should be considered when comparing offers.
Can a higher offer actually net me less?
Yes. A higher offer may include larger credits, repair concessions or other terms that reduce the overall economic benefit.
What is the biggest mistake sellers make when calculating proceeds?
Confusing the sale price with the amount of cash they will actually receive.
Do I pay property taxes when I sell?
Property taxes may be prorated or adjusted through escrow depending on the closing date and other circumstances. Your escrow company should provide the applicable calculations.
Do HOA properties have additional selling costs?
They can. HOA transactions may involve document preparation, certification, transfer and other association-related charges depending on the property and agreement.
What about solar?
Solar financing or lease agreements may need to be transferred, paid off or otherwise addressed during the sale. The specific agreement controls.
What about capital gains taxes?
The tax consequences of a home sale depend on your individual circumstances. Speak with a qualified tax professional before making assumptions about what you will owe.
Is the entire sale price taxable?
No. The tax treatment of a sale depends on factors including basis, ownership, use of the property and applicable tax rules.
Can I avoid capital gains taxes when selling my primary residence?
Some homeowners may qualify for applicable home-sale exclusions, but eligibility depends on specific requirements. Consult a qualified tax professional.
What if the property is a rental?
Rental properties can involve additional tax considerations, including depreciation and potentially different treatment of gains. Consult your CPA or tax advisor.
What if I want to do a 1031 exchange?
If you're considering a 1031 exchange, talk to a qualified tax advisor and intermediary before the sale. Timing and eligibility requirements are important.
How do I know what my home will actually net?
The best starting point is a property-specific seller net sheet prepared using a realistic sale price and estimated transaction expenses, followed by confirmation from escrow as the transaction progresses.
Related East Bay Resources
- How Long Does It Take to Sell an East Bay Home?
- What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your East Bay Home?
- Should You Accept the Highest Offer on Your Home?
- How to Compare Multiple Offers on Your East Bay Home
- How to Choose the Right Realtor in the East Bay
- Why Overpricing Your East Bay Home Can Cost You Money
- Should You Sell Your East Bay Home As-Is?
- What Should You Fix Before Selling Your East Bay Home?
- Should You Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection?
- California Seller Disclosures: What Homeowners Need to Know
- How to Sell an Older East Bay Home
- How to Sell a Home With Solar
- How to Sell a Home With an HOA