Seller Closing Cost Calculator for North Carolina (2022 Data)

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Use our North Carolina closing cost calculator for an informed estimate of your home sale net proceeds. Closing costs vary depending on your real estate market, final sales price, commission rates, and other factors.

North Carolina seller closing cost calculator

North Carolina closing cost estimator breakdown

Real estate commission (5.6%)

In addition to closing costs, you should expect to pay an average of 5.6% on realtor fees in North Carolina.

Realtor commissions are usually the single biggest expense in a real estate transaction. The 5.6% fee covers the cost of both your listing agent and the buyer's agent. According to the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers now negotiate rates separately with their agent. However, they will typically ask you to include their agent fees in the costs of the transaction, so they don't have to bring extra cash out of pocket.

To save money, concentrate on finding a qualified low-commission listing agent. Our friends at Clever Real Estate can help you match with experienced local realtors who will help you sell your home for a 1.5% listing fee.

Home warranty ($350–$600)

Home warranties provide a wide range of coverage for homeowners. They help lower the costs of maintenance and repairs for major appliances and built-in home systems, like plumbing, HVAC, ductwork, and electrical systems. A seller’s home warranty provides limited coverage while the home is on the market, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses.

Many sellers also purchase traditional home warranty coverage for their buyers, paying the premium for the initial year of ownership. This coverage can act as a valuable buyer incentive for older homes.

Real estate tax proration

North Carolina applies a calendar year standard for property taxes.² Sellers are responsible for the time they’ve owned the home during the current year through the closing date. Buyers pay taxes for the time remaining in the year after the closing date.

Excise tax/revenue stamps (0.2%)

North Carolina charges $1.00 per $500 of the property value (0.2%) in transfer taxes (excise tax stamps) when homeowners sell their houses. State law applies responsibility to the seller.

» MORE: Calculate your transfer tax fees

Attorney fee ($600–$1,000)

North Carolina is a closing attorney state, and it’s standard practice for the buyer to hire and pay for the settlement attorney. However, sellers and buyers may opt to share the cost and hire a dual agent who works for both parties, or the seller can hire an agent of their own.

Courier and handling ($35)

You’ll need to pay a courier fee if you’re paying off a mortgage with your home sale proceeds. This cost covers postage and handling to deliver the payoff funds to your lender.

Land transfer tax (up to $3,230)

Seven North Carolina counties (Washington, Currituck, Dare, Chowan, Camden, Pasquotank, and Perquimans) charge a land transfer tax in addition to the 0.20% state excise tax. The standard land transfer tax is $1 per $100 of the property value (1%).

Document preparation ($150–$300)

North Carolina property transfers require new deeds in the buyer’s name. Closing attorneys often charge sellers a flat fee for this service and the preparation of other associated, tax-related documents.

How to save on North Carolina seller closing cost fees

✅ Sell with a low-commission realtor

Most sellers use a listing agent to help sell their homes, with an average cost of 2.86% in North Carolina. That’s $9,237 on a $322,986 sale (median NC home sales price). Many qualified realtors now partner with agent matching companies to offer their services at lower rates.

Clever Real Estate can find you seasoned listing agents who only charge a 1.5% commission. Even if you pay the 2.5–3% buyer’s agent fee as a concession, listing with a low-commission realtor can save you thousands of dollars.

✅ Negotiate closing costs with the buyer

Your buyer may be willing to cover some of your closing costs to give them the edge over their competitors. Ask your listing agent about this potential option.

North Carolina seller closing cost calculator FAQ

What is the closing cost percentage in North Carolina?

The average seller closing cost percentage in North Carolina is 0.8%, plus real estate commissions (5.6%), for a total average of 6.4%. Sellers should also budget for prorated property taxes and any buyer incentives they may want to offer. The average closing cost percentage ranges from about 1.5–2.4% for buyers.

Do sellers pay closing costs in North Carolina?

Sellers pay some closing costs in North Carolina, such as transfer taxes, their share of pro-rated property taxes, and realtor commissions. But North Carolina buyers normally pay a larger portion of the total closing costs due to loan-related fees.

How much do you pay in taxes when you sell a house in North Carolina?

North Carolina sellers throughout the state pay a 0.2% transfer tax, plus an additional 1% land transfer tax in seven counties. They’re also responsible for property taxes, but only for the total number of days they owned the home during the sales year.

Does a seller need an attorney at closing in North Carolina?

North Carolina sellers aren’t required to have an attorney representing them at closing, but it may be beneficial to do so. State law mandates that an attorney oversee real estate closing activities, and typically, the buyer hires the closing attorney.