For many Orlando and Central Florida homeowners, selling a house traditionally feels like the normal path. You hire an agent, list on the MLS, and wait for the right buyer. What often gets overlooked is how many costs come with that process and how much they can reduce what you actually walk away with.
Before choosing to list, it helps to understand where the money really goes and why the traditional route can be more expensive than it first appears.
Real Estate Commissions Reduce Your Net Proceeds
One of the largest costs of a traditional sale is the real estate commission. In the Orlando area, sellers commonly pay a total commission of around five to six percent of the final sale price.
On a $400,000 home, that can mean $20,000 or more coming out of your equity at closing. This expense is fixed regardless of how quickly the home sells or how much work you put into preparing it.
Repairs and Updates Before Listing
Many Central Florida homes need repairs before they are ready for the MLS. Buyers and inspectors often focus on roofs, air conditioning systems, moisture issues, and general wear from heat and storms.
Sellers are usually expected to handle these repairs upfront. Even if your home is in decent shape, inspection requests can lead to additional work or price reductions once you are under contract.
Staging and Preparation Costs Add Up
To compete with other Orlando listings, sellers are often encouraged to invest in presentation. This can include deep cleaning, landscaping, fresh paint, staging, and professional photos.
These costs are paid out of pocket before the sale is complete. While they may help attract buyers, they do not guarantee a higher final payout.
Holding Costs While the Home Is on the Market
While your home is listed, you continue paying monthly expenses. Mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, utilities, and maintenance all remain your responsibility until closing.
If the home takes longer to sell, these holding costs quietly add up. In changing market conditions, even well priced Central Florida homes may sit longer than expected.
Negotiations and Closing Concessions
Accepting an offer does not always mean the deal is finished. Inspections, appraisals, and financing issues often lead to renegotiation.
Many sellers agree to cover repairs, offer credits, or pay part of the buyer’s closing costs to keep the sale moving forward. These concessions can further reduce your final proceeds.
Comparing Traditional Sales to Other Options
When commissions, repairs, preparation costs, and holding expenses are added together, the true cost of selling traditionally becomes clearer. Some homeowners choose to compare this with alternative options before deciding.
Reading Should You Sell to a Cash Buyer or List on the MLS, can help outline key differences, while Distressed Properties 101: What They Are and Why Investors Love Them explains why homes needing repairs often sell differently.
How Reliable Home Buyers Supports Florida Homeowners
At Reliable Home Buyers, we work with homeowners across Orlando and Central Florida who want clarity before making a decision. We help sellers understand their options and provide straightforward offers for homes in any condition.
Whether you are comparing paths or simply want to know what your home is worth without traditional selling costs, having clear information makes the process easier.
Recommended Reading
How much does it cost to sell a house?
https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-house/ Bankrate
How much does it cost to sell a house? Key expenses to know
https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/selling-a-home/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-a-house Kiplinger
Home sale calculator and net proceeds breakdown
https://www.zillow.com/home-sale-calculator/ Zillow