Selling a property in Victoria, BC, involves several costs that sellers should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the typical expenses you may encounter:
- Real Estate Agent Commission: In most cases, sellers are responsible for paying the real estate agent commission. This fee is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is negotiated between the seller and their listing agent. The commission covers the services provided by the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
- Legal Fees: Sellers are also responsible for covering legal fees associated with the sale of their property. These fees include the cost of hiring a real estate lawyer or notary public to handle the closing paperwork and ensure that the transaction is legally binding.
- Home Preparation Costs: To maximize the appeal of your home to potential buyers, you may incur costs related to preparing the property for sale. This could include professional cleaning services, minor repairs, home staging, landscaping, or painting. While these expenses are optional, investing in them can help you achieve a faster sale at a higher price.
- Marketing Expenses: While your real estate agent will handle most of the marketing efforts, there may be additional costs associated with promoting your property and this will be dependant all on your needs and wants for marketing your property.
- Home Inspection and Appraisal Fees: Although buyers typically cover the cost of the home inspection and appraisal, some sellers choose to have these assessments done before listing their property to identify any potential issues upfront. If you opt for pre-listing inspections or appraisals, you'll need to cover these expenses.
- Mortgage Discharge Fees: If you have an existing mortgage on the property, you may incur fees associated with discharging the mortgage when the sale is finalized. In other words, selling your home before you have paid off your mortgage may cost you more money. Discharge fees vary depending on your mortgage lender and the terms of your loan.
- Government Taxes and Fees: Depending on the specifics of your sale and your financial situation, you may be subject to certain government taxes and fees. For example, Sellers may have to pay capital gains on their second property, or GST if its income producing.
- Moving Costs: Lastly, don't forget to budget for the cost of moving out of your home. This could include expenses for hiring professional movers, renting a moving truck, purchasing packing supplies, and temporarily storing belongings if necessary.