What Fees Do Sellers Pay When Selling a Property in Massachusetts?

miniature house with keys, pen and paper, and bundle of cash

Selling a property in Massachusetts comes with a variety of fees and costs that many sellers don’t fully understand — especially if you’re aiming for a fast and stress-free sale. Whether you’re in Dudley, Webster, Douglas, Oxford, or Worcester, knowing what fees to expect can help you make smarter decisions and keep more of your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

miniature house with keys, pen and paper, and bundle of cash

At Heavenly Home Solutions, LLC, we help homeowners throughout Auburn, Holden, Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, West Boylston, Charlton, Sutton, Millbury, and Sturbridge avoid unnecessary costs. Below, we break down the most common seller fees in Massachusetts so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions

One of the biggest costs sellers face is the real estate agent commission. In Massachusetts, this typically ranges from 5%–6% of the sale price and is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. For example, on a $300,000 property, that could be $15,000–$18,000 — money you won’t get back.

If you’re wondering how to sell my house fast in Dudley, MA without paying a huge commission, we can help.

📌 Learn more about standard agent fees from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors®.

2. Closing Costs

In Massachusetts, sellers usually pay a portion of closing costs that might include:

  • Title insurance
  • Attorney fees
  • Recording fees
  • Transfer taxes (in some towns)

These can total 1%–3% of your sale price. While often less than agent commissions, they add up quickly, especially when you combine them with other closing costs.

📌 For a detailed breakdown, the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons has a helpful guide.

3. Title Search & Title Insurance

Before a property can change hands, a title search confirms there are no outstanding liens or claims. Sellers sometimes pay for this or split the cost with the buyer, depending on local norms and negotiations.

Title insurance protects the buyer — and sometimes the lender — from future disputes over ownership. In many towns, including Webster, Oxford, and Sturbridge, this fee is typically part of closing costs.

📌 A reliable reference for understanding title insurance costs is found at Mass.gov’s title insurance overview.

4. Repairs and Inspection Costs

Massachusetts sellers may be responsible for repairs uncovered during a buyer’s home inspection. While not a formal fee, these costs can be significant, especially in older properties.

If your house needs work, selling as-is to a cash buyer like Heavenly Home Solutions, LLC can eliminate repair costs and shorten your sale timeline. Sell my house fast in Worcester, MA without lifting a tool.

5. Prorated Property Taxes

In Massachusetts, property taxes are prorated at closing. This means you pay your share of the year’s taxes up to the closing date. If you close mid-year, you’re responsible for part of the annual tax bill — even if you already paid the full amount earlier in the year.

You can check your local tax rates on your city or town’s official website, such as Auburn or Charlton tax assessor pages.

6. Mortgage Payoff and Prepayment Penalties

If you still owe money on your mortgage, the balance — plus any interest through the closing date — will be paid off at closing. Some lenders charge a prepayment penalty if you pay off your loan early, so check your mortgage terms carefully.

This is especially important in areas like Holden and Northborough, where older properties may still carry older loan agreements.

7. Staging, Marketing, and Holding Costs

While optional, many sellers pay extra for:

  • Professional staging
  • Photography and videography
  • Advertising and listing upgrades

These aren’t required, but they do add to your total selling costs — often thousands of dollars more without guaranteeing a faster sale.

At Heavenly Home Solutions, LLC, you don’t pay any of these fees when you sell to us directly. That’s because we’re focused on simplifying your experience, not upselling services.

Why Fees Can Add Up Quickly

Across Sutton, Millbury, Westborough, West Boylston, and beyond, sellers are often surprised by how quickly fees stack up:

Fee TypeTypical Cost
Agent Commission5%–6% of sale price
Closing Costs1%–3% of sale price
Inspection/RepairsVaries widely
TaxesProrated amount
Mortgage PayoffLoan balance + interest

When you add everything together, you could easily spend 10% or more just to sell a property traditionally — which is money you could keep if you choose a different path.

How to Avoid or Minimize Seller Fees

If you’re asking, “Can I sell my property without those fees?” the answer is yes — and many local sellers are doing it. At Heavenly Home Solutions, LLC, we buy properties for cash in Dudley, Webster, Worcester, and the surrounding region. That means:

  • No agent commissions
  • No staging or marketing costs
  • No hidden fees
  • A fast, fair closing timeline

Whether you’re in Douglas, Oxford, Charlton, or nearby Sturbridge or Auburn, we make the process simple, transparent, and financially smart.

Ready to Skip the Fees and Sell Fast?

If you want to understand exactly what fees you’d owe before you make a decision, we’re here to help.

👉 Text or call 774-272-6604
📧 Email [email protected]
📅 Schedule a quick chat: https://calendly.com/heavenlyhomebuyers-info/15min

We’ll walk through your situation, explain all potential costs, and give you options — no pressure, just clarity.