Understanding Your Home Selling Costs in McKinney & Collin County
- Brandon Scribner

- Nov 13
- 3 min read
Thinking about selling your home in Collin County, perhaps in beautiful McKinney? It's an exciting step, but "what are the total costs and fees?" is always a top-of-mind question. As Brandon Scribner, your local real estate expert, I hear it all the time. My goal isn't just to help you sell; it's to ensure you understand every dollar, so there are no surprises.
So, let's dive right into the biggest piece of the pie: real estate agent commissions. This is typically split between the listing agent (me, representing you!) and the buyer's agent. In Collin County, including areas like McKinney, these commissions usually range from 5% to 6% of the home's final sale price. For example, on a $500,000 home, that could be $25,000 to $30,000. While substantial, remember what you're getting for this investment: my comprehensive Home Selling Services, including professional photography, targeted digital marketing, expert negotiation, and ensuring a smooth transaction. As a top realtor in McKinney, I focus intently on maximizing your net profit, not just the sale price. My proven listings strategies and advanced pricing strategies are meticulously designed to attract the right buyers quickly and get you the best possible return on your investment.
Next up are closing costs. These are a collection of fees paid at the close of escrow. For sellers, these can include things like title insurance (owner's policy), escrow fees, recording fees, and potentially a pro-rated portion of property taxes or HOA dues. While buyers typically bear the brunt of closing costs, sellers usually pay around 1% to 3% of the sale price. This percentage can vary based on local customs and transaction specifics. For instance, on a $500,000 home, you might expect to pay an additional $5,000 to $15,000 in these various fees. It’s crucial to understand these upfront, and as a Pricing Strategy Advisor and Seller Representative Specialist, I’m here to walk you through each line item.
What about getting your home ready to shine? This category is highly variable. Some homes need minimal touch-ups, while others benefit from more significant repairs or staging. Think about fresh paint, minor repairs discovered during a pre-listing inspection, landscaping, or professional cleaning. While these aren't mandatory, investing a little here often yields a higher sale price and a quicker sale. My advice for first time home sellers is always to consider what makes your home most appealing. We'll discuss a personalized strategy to balance cost with potential return during our initial chat.
Sometimes, during negotiations, a buyer might ask for seller concessions. This means you, as the seller, agree to pay for a portion of their closing costs or provide a credit for repairs. While not always ideal, it can be a strategic move to secure a sale, especially if it keeps the deal together. This is where my negotiation expertise truly shines. We'll weigh the pros and cons to ensure they align with your overall selling goals.
Finally, there are a few other, less common costs that might pop up. These could include capital gains tax (if applicable – always consult a tax professional for specific advice), HOA transfer fees, or specific lien release fees. These are often minor or don't apply to all sellers. Rest assured, when we work together, I’ll provide a detailed seller net sheet early in the process, so you have a clear, transparent picture of what to expect, down to the last penny. My experience, especially with first time home sellers, is all about providing that transparency and education.
Navigating the costs of selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming. My commitment as a top realtor in McKinney is to provide clarity, expert guidance, and a successful, profitable sale. If you're considering selling your home in Collin County and want to understand your specific costs, let's connect. I offer a Free Consultation to discuss your unique situation and provide a personalized market analysis. Reach out today – I'm here to help you make your next move with confidence!



