Knowing your costs helps you compare offers and decide how to sell. Amounts vary by house, county, and agreement, so treat this as a checklist, not a quote.
Costs that depend on how you sell
- Agent commissions. If you list, commissions are negotiable and set in your listing agreement. Since 2024, buyer-agent compensation is also negotiated separately in many transactions. Ask exactly what you will pay.
- Repairs and preparation. Cleaning, painting, repairs, staging, and photos before listing.
- Inspection credits. Retail buyers often ask for repairs or credits after their inspection.
Closing costs
- Title work and owner's title insurance. Who pays is negotiable and varies by local custom; read your purchase agreement.
- Settlement or closing fee charged by the title company.
- Payoff of loans and liens, including any mortgage, home equity line, judgment, or mechanic's lien. These come out of your proceeds at closing.
- Recording fees for documents such as lien releases.
Missouri does not charge a state real estate transfer tax.
Property taxes
Missouri real estate taxes are billed by the county and are due by December 31; taxes unpaid on January 1 are delinquent (RSMo 140.010). At closing, current-year taxes are usually prorated between buyer and seller. Any back taxes are paid from your proceeds.
Holding costs while you sell
Every month a house sits, you keep paying:
- Mortgage interest
- Property taxes and insurance
- Utilities, lawn care, and upkeep
These are easy to overlook and can add up over a long listing.
Taxes on the sale
You may owe income tax on any gain. Many homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) on a primary residence if they meet the ownership and use tests. Rentals and inherited property have different rules. Talk with a tax professional.
Putting it together
Net proceeds = sale price − commissions − closing costs − loan and lien payoffs − repairs and credits − holding costs.
Run that math for each option. If you would like a direct as-is number to compare, request a no-obligation offer.
General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 28, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.