Avoid These 5 Hidden Fees When Selling a Home in West Islip

Think you know what it costs to sell your home in West Islip? Many sellers are surprised by fees that sneak up on them during the transaction—and they can seriously eat into your profits. Here are 5 hidden or often-overlooked fees you should plan for:

1. New York State Transfer Taxes

As a seller, you’re responsible for paying the state transfer tax, which is $4 per $1,000 of the sale price. Selling a $600,000 home? That’s $2,400 out of your proceeds—don’t let it catch you off guard.

2. Attorney Fees

Selling in New York means you’ll almost certainly hire a real estate attorney. Expect to pay $1,500–$3,000 for legal representation to review your contract and handle the closing process.

3. Buyer Concessions

In a buyer’s market, sellers are often asked to contribute to closing costs or offer credits for repairs. These concessions can easily cost thousands, especially if discovered during the inspection period.

4. Final Utility and Holding Costs

If your home doesn’t close immediately, you’ll be responsible for ongoing utilities, taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments. These are often underestimated but can add up fast if your property sits on the market.

5. Agent Commission

Yes, this one’s obvious—but many sellers forget that they typically pay both the listing and buyer agent commission, which is usually 5-6% of the sale price. On a $600,000 home, that could be up to $36,000.

Want to see exactly what you’ll net at the closing table? Jeffrey Canas at Serhant South Shore offers custom net-to-seller sheets so there are no surprises.