The Hidden Costs of Selling a San Diego House: Why a 6% Commission is Only the Beginning
When most San Diego homeowners think about selling, they look at their Zestimate or a neighbor’s recent sale and think, "If I sell for $850,000, I’ll walk away with $850,000."
Unfortunately, the "Gross Price" and the "Net Proceeds" are two very different numbers. In a traditional sale, the "friction costs"—the fees, repairs, and holding costs—can eat up as much as 10% to 15% of your equity.
Let’s break down the real math of selling a $850,000 "fixer-upper" in San Diego.
When most San Diego homeowners think about selling, they look at their Zestimate or a neighbor’s recent sale and think, "If I sell for $850,000, I’ll walk away with $850,000."
Unfortunately, the "Gross Price" and the "Net Proceeds" are two very different numbers. In a traditional sale, the "friction costs"—the fees, repairs, and holding costs—can eat up as much as 10% to 15% of your equity.
Let’s break down the real math of selling a $850,000 "fixer-upper" in San Diego.
1. The Agent Commissions (The Big Hit)
In San Diego, the standard commission is still roughly 5% to 6%.
The Math: $850,000 x 6% = $51,000 This is money that comes directly out of your pocket at the closing table.
2. Pre-Sale Repairs & Staging
To get top dollar from a retail buyer, you have to compete with "flip" houses.
The Cost: New carpet, fresh neutral paint, landscaping, and professional staging. In 2026, a basic "refresh" for a 1,500 sq. ft. home in San Diego costs between $15,000 and $25,000.
3. Seller Concessions (The "Inspection Haircut")
Once a buyer gets an inspection report, the "re-negotiation" begins. They will ask for credits for that aging roof in Santee or the cracked stucco in Oceanside.
The Average Credit: $5,000 - $15,000.
4. Holding Costs (The "Silent Killer")
A traditional sale takes time. From the day you start cleaning to the day the bank finally funds the loan, you are responsible for:
Mortgage payments
Property taxes (higher than ever in 2026)
Utilities and Insurance
The Total: 4 months of holding a home usually costs $12,000 - $18,000.
| Expense Category | Traditional Listing ($850k) | Cash Buyers San Diego ($780k) |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Price | $850,000 | $780,000 |
| Real Estate Commissions (6%) | -$51,000 | $0 |
| Pre-Sale Repairs & Staging | -$20,000 | $0 (Buy As-Is) |
| Seller Closing Costs (2%) | -$17,000 | $0 (We pay 100%) |
| 4 Months of Holding Costs | -$15,000 | $0 (Close in 7 days) |
| Junk Removal & Cleaning | -$3,000 | $0 (Leave what you want) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TOTAL NET TO YOU | $744,000 | $780,000 |