Home Sale Net Proceeds Calculator: See Exactly How Much Cash You’ll Keep After Selling
Use this free calculator to estimate your take-home cash after selling your home — including mortgage payoff, agent commissions, repairs, and closing costs. Designed for homeowners in the U.S. and Canada, it breaks down potential deductions to help you plan your next move. No signup. No personal data. Results update in real time.
Prep & Repair Costs
On-Market Costs
Closing Costs
Estimated Net Proceeds
Breakdown
Planning to sell your home? Don’t guess your profit — calculate it. Most sellers are shocked to discover how much they’ll actually take home after paying off their mortgage, agent commissions, repairs, and closing costs. Our Home Sale Net Proceeds Calculator gives you a clear, itemized breakdown — so you can plan your next move with confidence.
Key Takeaways — What Every Home Seller Should Know
- Net proceeds ≠ sale price — You won’t keep the full amount you list your home for.
- Agent commissions typically eat 5–6% of your sale price.
- Pre-sale repairs & staging can cost $5,000–$20,000 — but may boost your sale price.
- Months on market = more mortgage payments, utilities, and carrying costs.
- Closing costs (fees, taxes, concessions) often add 1–3% to your expenses.
Why Most Sellers Are Surprised by Their Final Payout
Homeowners often think: “I’m selling for $500,000 — I’ll walk away with $500,000.” Reality:
- You still owe $300,000 on your mortgage → paid first.
- Agent commission (5%) = $25,000 → gone.
- Repairs, staging, utilities while listed = $10,000+ → subtracted.
- Closing fees, taxes, concessions = $8,000 → deducted.
Result: $500,000 sale → ~$157,000 in your pocket.
“According to real estate transaction data, the average U.S. homeowner keeps only 30–40% of their home’s sale price after all costs. Using a net proceeds calculator helps set realistic expectations before listing.”
Breakdown of Costs That Reduce Your Sale Proceeds
1. Mortgage Payoff
The largest deduction. Your lender gets paid first — whatever you still owe, even if it’s $200K or $400K.
2. Prep & Repair Costs
Investments to make your home market-ready:
- Improvements: Painting, flooring, landscaping, kitchen refresh — typically $3,000–$15,000.
- Cleaning & Staging: Professional deep clean + furniture rental — $500–$3,000.
3. On-Market Carrying Costs
Expenses while your home is listed (often overlooked!):
- Monthly mortgage payments: You’re still paying while waiting for an offer.
- Months on market: Average is 3–6 months — multiply your monthly costs accordingly.
- Other expenses: Utilities, insurance, HOA fees, moving deposits, storage.
4. Closing Costs
Fees paid at settlement:
- Agent commission: 5–6% standard (negotiable in some markets).
- Seller concessions: Credits to buyer for repairs or closing help — often 1–3%.
- Closing fees & taxes: Title insurance, transfer taxes, attorney fees, recording fees — $2,000–$5,000.
How to Maximize Your Net Proceeds (Without Over-Spending)
- Negotiate commission: In competitive markets or for luxury homes, some agents will reduce fees.
- Stage smart, not expensive: Declutter + deep clean + fresh paint often yields better ROI than full staging.
- Price accurately: Overpricing leads to longer market time → higher carrying costs.
- Limit concessions: Offer repair credits only if absolutely necessary.
- Shop for services: Compare title companies, inspectors — small savings add up.
Side-by-Side Example: $400K Home Sale
Cost Category | Amount | % of Sale Price |
---|---|---|
Selling Price | $400,000 | 100% |
Remaining Mortgage | –$250,000 | –62.5% |
Prep & Repairs | –$6,000 | –1.5% |
On-Market Costs (3 mos) | –$6,500 | –1.6% |
Closing Costs | –$25,000 | –6.25% |
Net Proceeds | $112,500 | 28.1% |
*Example based on calculator defaults. Your numbers will vary.
How to Use the Home Sale Net Proceeds Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Enter your expected selling price — be realistic based on comps.
- Input your remaining mortgage balance — check your latest statement.
- Add prep costs — improvements + cleaning/staging.
- Estimate on-market costs — monthly payments × expected months listed + other expenses.
- Include closing costs — commission %, concessions, fees.
- Review your net proceeds — see the breakdown and adjust inputs to explore scenarios.
FAQ
Q: What is a home sale net proceeds calculator?
A: A tool that estimates how much cash you’ll actually receive after selling your home, accounting for mortgage payoff, repairs, agent commissions, and closing costs. It shows you the real profit — not just the sale price.
Q: Why is my net proceeds so much lower than my sale price?
A: Because major costs are deducted first: your mortgage balance (often the largest), agent commission (5–6%), repairs, and closing fees. It’s normal to keep only 25–40% of the sale price.
Q: Can I reduce agent commission to increase my proceeds?
A: Yes — in many markets, commission is negotiable, especially for high-value homes or if you’re using the same agent to buy and sell. Some discount brokerages offer 1–3% listing fees.
Q: How long should I expect my home to be on the market?
A: Nationally, average is 3–6 months. In hot markets, it can be days or weeks. In slower markets, 6–12 months. Use local realtor data for accuracy.
Q: Are property taxes included in closing costs?
A: Yes — you’ll pay prorated property taxes up to the closing date. Add them to “Closing Fees & Taxes” in the calculator.
Q: Can I save or print my results?
A: Yes! Click “Download Sale Proceeds Report” to generate a .txt file with your calculation for your records or to share with your agent.
Q: Is my data saved or shared?
A: No. All calculations happen locally in your browser. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal or financial data.
Interested in mortgage calculations too?
If you’re also exploring mortgage options, we have a dedicated calculator
See our Mortgage CalculatorDisclaimer
The estimates provided by this calculator are for educational purposes only and based on the inputs you provide. Actual net proceeds may vary due to local tax laws, last-minute negotiations, lender requirements, or unforeseen fees. This tool does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult a licensed real estate professional before making decisions.