Can I Afford to Sell My House in Pennsylvania?
This is the question most sellers should be asking before they ask any other. Selling a home costs money — and not understanding those costs before committing to a listing can lead to surprises at closing that undermine your entire plan. Here's how to think through whether the numbers work for your specific situation.
Josh Wernick - REALTOR®
Luxury Homes Certified
Text or call · Free net proceeds analysis · Same-day response Keller Williams Real Estate
What It Actually Costs to Sell a House in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a 2% real estate transfer tax on every transaction — paid at closing, typically split 1% each between buyer and seller. On a $600,000 sale, that's $6,000 from your proceeds.
Agent commissions following the 2024 NAR settlement are fully negotiable and must be disclosed upfront. Total commissions in Bucks and Montgomery County typically run 5 to 5.5% of the sale price. On a $600,000 sale, that's $30,000 to $33,000.
Additional closing costs — deed preparation, title fees, prorated property taxes, and any negotiated seller concessions — typically add another $2,000 to $5,000.
Total selling costs on a $600,000 Pennsylvania home typically run $38,000 to $44,000 before your mortgage payoff.
The Net Proceeds Calculation
Sale price minus mortgage payoff minus total selling costs equals your net proceeds. That's the number that matters — not the sale price, not the Zestimate, not what your neighbor got.
If your home is worth $550,000 and you owe $400,000, your gross equity is $150,000. After total selling costs of approximately $38,000 to $44,000, your net proceeds are approximately $106,000 to $112,000. That's the number you plan your next move around.
If your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $310,000, your gross equity is $40,000. After total selling costs of approximately $25,000 to $28,000, your net proceeds are approximately $12,000 to $15,000. That may or may not be enough to accomplish what you're trying to accomplish — and that answer depends entirely on where you're going next.
To run your own calculations head over to my
What "Affording" to Sell Really Means
Affording to sell doesn't just mean having enough equity to cover selling costs. It means having enough net proceeds to fund the next move — whether that's a down payment on a new home, a rental deposit, or a relocation. Understanding what you need on the other end of the transaction is as important as understanding what you'll net on this end.
If your net proceeds are insufficient for your destination, the options are: wait and build more equity, adjust your destination expectations, or explore whether bridge financing or other solutions work for your situation.
Get the Actual Numbers
A free net proceeds analysis from Josh Wernick - REALTOR® takes 30 minutes and gives you the specific numbers for your specific property — current market value, estimated selling costs, and net proceeds — so you can make an informed decision before committing to anything.
Call or text 267-934-5674
Can I Afford to Sell My House in Pennsylvania? FAQ
How much does it cost to sell a house in Pennsylvania?
Total selling costs in Pennsylvania typically run 7 to 9% of the sale price — Pennsylvania transfer tax, agent commissions, and closing costs. On a $500,000 home expect approximately $35,000 to $45,000 in total selling costs. On a $700,000 home expect approximately $49,000 to $63,000.
How do I calculate my net proceeds from selling my house in Pennsylvania?
Sale price minus your mortgage payoff minus total selling costs equals net proceeds. A free net proceeds analysis from Josh Wernick - REALTOR® gives you the accurate numbers for your specific property. Call or text 267-934-5674.
What is the Pennsylvania transfer tax on home sales?
Pennsylvania imposes a 2% real estate transfer tax on the sale price of every residential transaction. It is typically split equally between buyer and seller — 1% each. On a $600,000 sale the seller pays $6,000 in transfer tax at closing.
Can I sell my house if I owe more than it's worth in Pennsylvania?
A short sale — selling for less than you owe with lender approval — is possible but complex. It requires lender approval, affects your credit, and has tax implications. If you believe you may owe more than your home is worth, a free home value analysis and a conversation with your lender are the right starting points.