1. Legal Fees: Non-Negotiable
Every home sale in Canada requires a real estate lawyer to finalize the transaction. They handle the title transfer, mortgage discharge, and essential paperwork. Legal fees typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on complexity. This is one cost you can’t avoid.
2. Real Estate Commission: Worth the Investment
While selling privately might seem like a way to save money, working with a real estate agent often leads to higher selling prices and smoother negotiations. Commission fees are usually 4–6% of the sale price. Even if you sell on your own, you’ll often still be expected to pay the buyer’s agent.
Consider it an investment rather than an expense—good representation can put more money in your pocket overall.
3. Mortgage Payout Penalties
If you’re breaking your mortgage early because of the sale, you may face two types of charges:
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Mortgage Discharge Fee – Covers administrative and land title costs ($0–$400).
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Prepayment Penalty – Usually equivalent to three months of interest, depending on your lender and mortgage type.
These costs can catch sellers off guard—make sure to call your lender for an exact payout quote.
4. Staging & Photography: First Impressions Count
Homebuyers shop with their eyes. That’s why staging and professional photos have become essential, not optional. Depending on your home’s size and market time, staging can cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Online photos are often the first showing—make them count.
5. Repairs, Cleaning & Touch-Ups
Buyers expect a home that’s move-in ready. That means fixing anything broken, repainting scuffed walls, replacing dated hardware, and investing in a professional deep clean (especially carpets).
The cost will vary depending on your home’s condition, but even minor updates can significantly increase buyer appeal.
6. Moving Expenses: More Than Just a Truck
Whether you hire professionals or round up a few friends, moving comes with costs:
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Movers or truck rental
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Fuel
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Packing materials
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Cleaning services
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Utility setup fees
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Unexpected items you realize you need after moving in
It’s not uncommon for moving alone to cost several thousand dollars.
7. Home Inspection Surprises
If the buyer’s inspection uncovers plumbing, electrical, roofing, or structural issues, you’ll either need to handle repairs or negotiate a lower price. To stay ahead of surprises, many sellers now order their own pre-listing inspection—a smart move that builds trust and prevents deal delays.
So… How Much Should You Really Budget?
Even in a stable market, the extra costs of selling haven’t gone away. While many sellers focus only on their expected profit, real estate professionals recommend setting aside an additional 5–7% of your home’s value to comfortably cover closing expenses, commissions, and moving costs.
Selling in Peel Region? Let’s Maximize Your Net Profit.
Before you list, let’s calculate exactly how much you’ll walk away with after all costs—so you can make confident plans for your next move.
?? Call or Text Top Best Realtor in Brampton– Jag Ghuman at 647-660-0600
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