If you’re getting ready to sell your house in New Orleans, you probably have a number in mind that you’d like to get for it. But have you thought about how much you’ll actually keep after everything is paid?
Selling a house comes with expenses that many homeowners don’t think about until they’re getting close to the closing table.
I’ve been buying houses in New Orleans and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, and I’ve seen sellers surprised by how much commissions, closing expenses, repairs, and other charges can affect their final amount.
Let’s break down what you should know before selling your house.
What Closing Costs Are Sellers Responsible for in New Orleans?
Closing costs are expenses associated with completing a real estate sale and transferring ownership to the buyer.
In Louisiana, there’s no single rule that says the seller must pay every closing expense. Many charges are negotiable and depend on what’s written in the purchase agreement.
Here are some of the expenses you may encounter when selling a house in New Orleans.
1. Real Estate Agent Commissions
If you decide to list your house with a real estate agent, you’ll need to consider the commission you agree to pay.
Real estate commissions are negotiable, and the amount varies depending on your agreement.
For example, if your New Orleans house sells for $250,000 and your agreed total commission is 6%, that would be $15,000.
That’s a significant amount, especially if you’re already trying to pay off a mortgage or cover moving expenses.
Selling directly to a company like NOLA Buys Houses eliminates the agent commission charged by us because we’re buying the house ourselves.
2. Title Company and Settlement Fees
Most real estate transactions in New Orleans involve a title company or closing attorney.
They help verify ownership, review title issues, prepare documents, and handle the transfer of funds.
Depending on the contract, sellers may be responsible for certain title-related expenses, document fees, or settlement charges.
The exact amount depends on the transaction.
When we buy a house at NOLA Buys Houses, we cover the closing costs associated with our purchase. That makes it easier for sellers to understand their numbers upfront.
3. Property Taxes and Outstanding Balances
Property taxes are another important consideration.
When you sell a house in Orleans Parish, property taxes are commonly prorated based on the closing date and the terms of the agreement.
You may also have unpaid property taxes from previous years that need to be resolved.
Other balances, such as certain municipal charges or recorded liens, may also need attention.
I’ve worked with homeowners who had complicated situations involving unpaid taxes, title problems, or inherited houses.
These issues can all be worked through, so don’t automatically assume you can’t sell because something is owed.
4. Mortgage Payoff
If you still owe money on your mortgage, that balance usually gets paid from the proceeds of the sale.
Your lender will provide a payoff amount, which may include accrued interest and other amounts due.
While the mortgage payoff isn’t considered a traditional closing cost, it directly affects how much money you’ll receive.
For example, selling a house for $250,000 doesn’t mean you’ll walk away with $250,000.
You still need to account for your mortgage balance and other selling expenses.
5. Repairs, Inspections, and Buyer Concessions
New Orleans has plenty of older houses, and many come with their own maintenance challenges.
I’ve seen everything from foundation and termite damage to aging roofs, outdated wiring, plumbing problems, and unfinished renovations.
If you’re selling through a traditional listing, a buyer may request repairs after an inspection.
You might also negotiate a price reduction or agree to help with some of the buyer’s expenses.
These aren’t always classified as closing costs, but they can reduce your net proceeds just the same.
That’s why I always recommend getting the numbers before spending money on repairs.
How Much Could Selling a House in New Orleans Cost?
Let’s look at a simple example.
Say your house sells for $250,000 through a traditional listing.
Your expenses might include:
· Agent commissions at an assumed 6%: $15,000
· Seller closing expenses: $5,000
· Repairs or buyer concessions: $10,000
That adds up to $30,000 in selling expenses.
You would have approximately $220,000 remaining before paying off any mortgage, liens, or other balances.
These are hypothetical numbers, not a quote or a standard fee schedule. Your actual expenses could be higher or lower.
The important thing is to compare what you’ll receive after all expenses, not just the advertised selling price.
Can You Sell a New Orleans House Without Paying Closing Costs?
Yes. Depending on the agreement, a buyer can cover the closing costs.
At NOLA Buys Houses, that’s exactly what we do.
We buy houses directly for cash, cover closing costs, and don’t charge agent commissions or hidden fees.
You don’t have to fix the roof, update the kitchen, clean out every room, or make repairs before contacting us.
We buy houses in any condition, including inherited houses, vacant houses, and houses that need major renovations.
You can choose a closing date that works for your situation, and there’s no obligation to accept our offer.
Know What You’ll Walk Away With Before Selling
If you’re planning to sell your house in New Orleans, don’t make your decision based on the offer price alone.
Look at the commissions, closing expenses, repairs, taxes, and any outstanding balances.
Sometimes listing with an agent makes sense, especially if your house is in good condition. Other times, selling directly to a local cash buyer can save time, money, and unnecessary headaches.
At NOLA Buys Houses, we’re happy to look at your house and give you a straightforward cash offer.
Call or text us at 504-264-1407, or visit our website www.nolabuyshouses.com to request a free, no-obligation offer.
Before you spend money fixing up your house, give us a call. Let us see it the way it is!