The Hidden Costs of Selling a Home—and How to Avoid Them for homeowners in Smyrna, Marietta, Mableton, and West Cobb

by Kimberly Evans

Selling a Home? Don’t Let These Hidden Costs Surprise You.

When most homeowners think about selling, they focus on price—"How much can I get for my house?" But what many don’t realize is that selling your home comes with costs—some expected, some not so much.

If you're in Smyrna, Marietta, Mableton, or the West Cobb area, here's a breakdown of the hidden costs of selling a home—and how you can avoid losing thousands.

1. Real Estate Agent Commission Fees

This is often the biggest cost in the transaction. The typic real estate commission fee can range so be sure to discuss fees with an agent before hiring them.

✅ How to Avoid Overpaying:
Work with a full-service Realtor who brings real marketing value, pricing expertise, and local connections to get your home sold for top dollar. An agent who just lists your home on the MLS is not worth full commission.

2. Closing Costs

While buyers typically cover more of the closing fees, sellers in Cobb County should budget 1–3% of the sales price for:

Title fees
Transfer taxes
Attorney fees
HOA clearance (if applicable)

✅ How to Save:
Compare closing attorneys, ask your agent if any fees can be negotiated, and avoid offering buyer concessions unless absolutely necessary.

3. Pre-Sale Repairs and Updates

A home in top condition sells faster and for more money. But getting it “market ready” can add up fast. Think:

Touch-up paint
Landscaping
Replacing old fixtures or flooring
Deep cleaning or staging

✅ Pro Tip:
I offer free consultations to help you prioritize what matters and connect you with trusted, affordable local vendors.

4. Staging and Photography

Buyers shop with their eyes. Professionally staged homes often sell faster and for more—but quality staging and professional photography can cost $300–$1,000 or more.

✅ How to Save:
Work with an agent (like me!) who includes staging guidance and pro photography as part of their full-service package—no surprise fees.

5. Holding Costs (While Your Home Sits on the Market)

Every extra month your home doesn’t sell, you’re still paying:

Mortgage
Property taxes
Utilities
HOA fees
Lawn care

✅ What You Can Do:
Price your home right from the start. I use a hyper-local pricing strategy to help you avoid a stale listing and minimize carrying costs.

Want to Know Exactly What You’ll Net?

Every home is different—and so are the costs to sell. Let’s have a quick, no-pressure chat about your home, your timeline, and your goals.

📞 Ready to Sell Smarter, Not Just Faster?

Let’s talk about your home’s value, your estimated costs, and what you’ll walk away with. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can sell with confidence.

Call or text me at 404-422-2821
Or visit kimberlyevansrealestate.com to schedule a free home equity review.

Kimberly Evans, Realtor®
Helping Sellers in Smyrna • Marietta • Mableton • West Cobb
HomeSmart | Aull Real Estate Group
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