If you are planning to sell your Pittsburgh home, it is important to understand the true costs before you begin the process. Many homeowners assume that selling simply means pocketing the sale price, but the reality is that expenses can quickly add up. On average, the total cost of selling a home in the U.S. ranges from 10 to 15 percent of the final sale price.
In Pennsylvania, that percentage is slightly higher. Recent estimates show that selling a home typically costs around 14.52 percent of the sale price. For example, if your home sells for $269,276, you could expect to pay roughly $39,094 in combined expenses.
These costs come from a variety of sources, including realtor commissions, closing fees, repairs, and market-related factors. The home’s location, condition, and timing of the sale also play major roles in determining how much you will ultimately spend.
In this post, we will break down the most common expenses Pittsburgh homeowners face when selling, so you know exactly what to expect and how to plan ahead.
Common Home-Selling Expenses In Pittsburgh
1. Repairs And Staging
Unless you plan to sell your home as-is to a cash home buyer in Pittsburgh, you will likely need to invest in repairs and staging to attract traditional buyers. These preparations are an important part of making your home stand out, but they also come with a price tag. On average, homeowners in Pennsylvania spend about $6,628 on pre-sale repairs and staging.
Common tasks include cleaning and polishing floors, mowing the lawn, and rearranging furniture to create a more inviting flow. In some cases, hiring professionals for deep cleaning, landscaping, or interior design may be necessary. Even small upgrades, such as replacing outdated fixtures, painting walls in neutral colors, or fixing minor wear and tear, can add up quickly.
While these efforts often make your home more appealing to buyers and may help it sell faster, they can significantly impact your bottom line. For homeowners who want to avoid these costs altogether, selling directly to a cash buyer can be a cost-effective alternative.
2. Realtor Commissions
If you choose to sell your home through a real estate agent, one of the largest costs you will face is realtor commissions. In Pittsburgh, as in most of the U.S., commissions typically range from 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price. On a $250,000 home, that means paying between $12,500 and $15,000 in commissions.
It is also important to note that this fee covers not only your listing agent but also the buyer’s agent. In other words, a significant portion of your profit goes directly to the professionals facilitating the transaction.
For homeowners looking to reduce or avoid these expenses, there are alternatives. You might consider selling your home yourself through a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach, although this requires more effort and expertise. Another option is hiring a discount real estate broker, who charges lower fees but still provides some level of professional support.
While realtor commissions are often justified by the marketing, negotiation, and expertise agents bring to the table, it is worth weighing whether the cost aligns with your goals—especially if your priority is to maximize profit or sell quickly.
3. Mortgage
If you still have a mortgage on your home, you will need to continue making payments until the sale is finalized. In Pittsburgh, the average mortgage balance is about $147,148, which means monthly payments can significantly impact your finances while you wait for closing.
It is also important to factor in additional costs tied to your mortgage. Some lenders charge prepayment penalties if you pay off your loan early, while accrued interest can add up in the weeks leading up to the sale. These expenses may not always be top of mind, but they directly affect how much money you walk away with once the transaction is complete.
By reviewing your loan documents and understanding the terms of your mortgage payoff, you can avoid surprises at closing and better anticipate your true net proceeds.
4. Closing Costs
In addition to commissions and repairs, sellers also need to account for closing costs. These are the various fees required to finalize the sale, and they typically include title insurance, transfer taxes, escrow fees, and administrative charges. While each individual fee may seem small, together they can amount to a significant expense.
In Pennsylvania, closing costs average about 5.37 percent of the sale price. For a home valued at $269,276, this works out to roughly $14,450. Since these costs are deducted directly from your proceeds at closing, they have a direct impact on the net profit you walk away with.
Understanding these fees upfront allows you to plan accordingly and avoid unwelcome surprises when it comes time to sign the final paperwork.
5. Moving Costs
One expense that many homeowners overlook when selling is the cost of moving. While it may seem minor compared to commissions or closing fees, the cost of relocating can add up quickly, especially if you have a large household or are moving across state lines.
For moves within Pennsylvania, the average cost is around $406. However, if you are relocating a longer distance, the price can rise significantly, sometimes reaching as high as $3,610 depending on mileage, the size of your home, and the amount of furniture and belongings you are transporting. Additional expenses such as packing supplies, storage, and professional movers can increase the total even further.
Factoring in these costs ahead of time ensures you are not caught off guard and helps you budget more accurately for your transition to a new home.
6. Real Estate Attorney
While hiring a real estate attorney is not required in Pennsylvania, it can be a smart investment. Selling a home involves contracts, disclosures, and legal obligations that may be confusing or overwhelming for homeowners. An attorney can review documents, explain your rights and responsibilities, and ensure the transaction is legally sound.
In Pittsburgh, real estate attorneys typically charge between $133 and $235 per hour. The final cost will depend on the complexity of the sale and the amount of time required. Although this adds another line item to your expenses, having professional legal guidance can prevent costly mistakes or disputes later on.
For homeowners who want extra peace of mind during the sale, especially in situations involving liens, inherited properties, or unique legal issues, hiring a real estate attorney can be well worth the cost.
How Much Can You Make Selling Your Pittsburgh Home?
At the end of the day, what matters most to sellers is the amount of money they actually take home after all expenses are paid. If you do not have a mortgage, calculating this figure is fairly straightforward. Take the final sale price and subtract your selling costs, which include commissions, closing fees, repairs, and other expenses.
For example, using the figures above, if you sell your home for $269,276 and the total cost of selling comes to 14.52 percent, you would walk away with approximately $230,182.
If you still owe money on a mortgage, the calculation is slightly different. You will need to subtract your remaining mortgage balance from your proceeds after expenses. For instance, if your mortgage balance is $147,148—the average in Pittsburgh—you would need to deduct that from your net, which could significantly reduce your final payout.
Understanding these numbers ahead of time allows you to set realistic expectations, plan your next purchase, and avoid surprises at closing.
Want To Sell Without Hassles?
If you would rather skip the costs and headaches of selling the traditional way, there is a simpler solution. By working with a cash home buyer like 412 Houses, you can avoid repair expenses, staging costs, and hefty realtor commissions altogether.
We buy houses in Pittsburgh exactly as they are, which means no repairs, no showings, and no hidden fees. Even better, we can close in as little as two weeks and handle all of the paperwork for you. The process is designed to be straightforward, stress-free, and on your timeline.
If you want to sell your Pittsburgh home quickly and walk away with cash in hand, contact 412 Houses today. We provide fair, all-cash offers within 24 hours so you can move forward with confidence.