In short: Most Virginia sellers pay roughly 6% to 8% of the sale price in total selling costs, though it varies. The biggest piece is usually agent commission, which is negotiable and averaged about 5.46% nationally in 2026. Other costs include Virginia's grantor tax ($1 per $1,000 of the sale price), settlement and title fees, any repairs or closing-cost help you agree to give the buyer, and prorated property taxes and HOA dues.
Your sale price isn't what you take home. Before you list, it helps to know every cost that comes out at closing so there are no surprises on the settlement statement.
Typical seller costs in Hampton Roads
| Cost | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agent commission | Negotiable (about 5.46% total nationally in 2026) | May cover both the listing and buyer's agent, depending on your agreement |
| Virginia grantor tax | $1 per $1,000 of sale price | Set by state law. Northern Virginia's extra regional fees don't apply in Hampton Roads |
| Settlement and title fees | Often $1,000 to $2,500 | Deed preparation, settlement fee, recording, and payoff processing |
| Mortgage payoff | Your remaining balance | Including interest through the closing date |
| Prorated property taxes | Varies | You pay your share up to the closing date |
| HOA or condo fees | Varies | Resale disclosure packet and prorated dues, if you're in an association |
| Repairs or seller credits | Negotiated | Often follows the home inspection |
Worked example: a $370,000 Hampton Roads home
The regional median sold price was about $368,000 in September 2026, so here's an illustrative example on a $370,000 sale:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sale price | $370,000 |
| Commission (example: 5.5%) | −$20,350 |
| Grantor tax | −$370 |
| Settlement and title fees (est.) | −$2,000 |
| Repair credit after inspection (example) | −$2,500 |
| Estimated proceeds before mortgage payoff | about $344,780 |
That's about 6.8% in total costs in this example. Your numbers will depend on your commission agreement, your home's condition, and what you negotiate.
Costs sellers often forget
- Moving and storage, especially if your closing and move-in dates don't line up.
- Utilities and insurance until closing, including on a vacant home.
- Pre-listing prep like paint, landscaping, or a deep clean.
- Buyer closing-cost help. Some buyers, especially first-time and VA buyers, ask sellers to cover part of their closing costs.
How to lower your selling costs
- Negotiate your commission and understand exactly what it covers.
- Get a pre-listing inspection to price in known issues instead of renegotiating later.
- Fix small items yourself before listing.
- Price accurately so you don't end up with a price cut.
Get your real numbers
We'll prepare a free home value and equity check with an estimated net sheet for your home. Comparing a cash offer instead? See cash buyer vs. listing with an agent.
Sources: Virginia courts fee schedule (Va. Code § 58.1-802); Clever Real Estate: Average commission 2026; NAR: Practice changes; VaHome.com: Hampton Roads market trends (REIN MLS). Figures are for general information and can change; contact us for advice on your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Total selling costs often land around 6% to 8% of the sale price, mostly from agent commission. Other costs include the Virginia grantor tax ($1 per $1,000 of the price), settlement and title fees, prorated taxes and HOA dues, and any repairs or credits you agree to.
Virginia charges sellers a grantor tax of 50 cents per $500 of the sale price, or $1 per $1,000. On a $370,000 home, that is $370. Northern Virginia has extra regional fees that do not apply in Hampton Roads.
Not automatically. Since the 2024 NAR settlement changes, buyer agent compensation is negotiated separately and buyers sign a written agreement with their agent. Sellers can still offer to cover some or all of it as part of the deal.
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