Short answer: Selling a $400,000 home in Houston typically costs about $23,000 to $30,000, or roughly 5.5% to 7.5% of the sale price. Real estate commissions are the biggest piece, followed by the owner's title policy, closing fees and any repairs or concessions you agree to. You'll also settle your share of this year's property taxes at closing.

Seller costs on a $400,000 home

Cost	Typical amount
Real estate commissions (about 5%–5.6%)	$20,000–$22,500
Owner's title insurance policy	About $2,250
Escrow / settlement fee (seller's share)	$250–$600
HOA resale certificate and transfer fees (if any)	$475–$675
Tax certificate, recording and other small fees	$100–$300
Repairs or buyer concessions (varies)	$0–$4,000+
Estimated total	About $23,000–$30,000

Commission based on a 2026 Clever Real Estate survey showing a Texas average of about 5.6%. Commissions are always negotiable. Title cost based on Texas Department of Insurance rates.

The costs explained

Real estate commissions

This is usually the largest cost. It covers your listing agent and, if you agree, the buyer's agent. Since 2024, these are negotiated separately and are always negotiable. Learn more in realtor commission in Houston: what sellers pay now.

Owner's title policy

In Texas, the seller customarily pays for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy. Rates are set by the state, so they're the same at every title company. On a $400,000 home it's roughly $2,250.

Property taxes (prorated)

Texas property taxes are paid at the end of the year for the whole year. At closing, you credit the buyer for your share from January 1 to your closing date. On a $400,000 home with a 2% rate, closing on October 1 means a credit of about $6,000. It's not an extra cost, since you'd owe those taxes anyway, but it does reduce your cash at closing.

Survey

If you have your existing survey and nothing has changed, you can often sign a T-47 affidavit instead of paying for a new one. If a new survey is needed, it typically costs $400–$700.

Repairs and concessions

In today's balanced Houston market, buyers often ask for repairs after the inspection or for help with closing costs. Budget something for this, even if it's just a small amount.

How much will you walk away with?

Example: You sell for $400,000 and owe $220,000 on your mortgage. After about $26,000 in selling costs and a $6,000 property tax proration, you'd walk away with roughly $148,000 before moving costs.

How to lower your selling costs

1. Negotiate commissions and understand exactly what services you're getting.
2. Find your old survey so you may be able to use a T-47.
3. Fix small issues before listing to avoid bigger repair requests. Consider a pre-listing inspection.
4. Price it right so you don't sit on the market and end up cutting the price.

What's your home worth?

Get a free estimate of your home's value, then contact us for a detailed net sheet showing what you'd walk away with.

Figures are estimates for illustration. Your actual costs depend on your sale price, agreements and closing date. Your title company will provide exact numbers.