Selling a Home
What Does It Cost to Sell a House in New Jersey?
The typical costs of selling a home in New Jersey: commission, the realty transfer fee, attorney fees, payoff, prorations, required certifications and preparation.
- By
- PG Realty Group
- Published
- Updated
- Reading time
- 6 minutes
Key takeaways
- Common seller costs in New Jersey include real estate commission, the state Realty Transfer Fee, attorney fees, mortgage payoff, property tax and utility prorations, and any negotiated repair credits.
- New Jersey's Realty Transfer Fee is generally paid by the seller when the deed is recorded, with reduced rates for some qualifying sellers.
- Real estate commissions are negotiable. Ask for an estimated net sheet before you list.
Real estate commission
Commission is set by agreement between you and your listing brokerage and is always negotiable. Your listing agreement spells out what you'll pay and whether you're offering compensation to a buyer's broker. Ask what's included: pricing strategy, photography, marketing, negotiation and transaction management.
New Jersey Realty Transfer Fee
New Jersey charges a Realty Transfer Fee when a deed is recorded. It is generally paid by the seller and calculated on the sale price. Reduced rates or exemptions may be available for qualifying senior citizens, blind or disabled sellers, and certain low- and moderate-income housing. In 2025, New Jersey also changed how the separate fee on sales of $1 million or more is calculated and who pays it. Your attorney will confirm the current rules for your sale with the NJ Division of Taxation.
Attorney fees
Most New Jersey sellers hire a real estate attorney to handle attorney review, deed preparation and closing. Fees vary, so ask for a quote in advance.
Mortgage payoff and liens
Your existing mortgage, any home equity line and any other liens are paid off from the sale proceeds at closing. Request a payoff statement early so there are no surprises.
Prorations
Property taxes, and sometimes water and sewer charges, are prorated between buyer and seller as of the closing date. Depending on what you've prepaid, this may be a credit to you or a charge.
Required certifications and municipal inspections
New Jersey requires a certificate of smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and portable fire extinguisher compliance before most one- and two-family homes change occupancy. Many municipalities also require their own resale inspection or certificate of occupancy. Fees and repair requirements vary by town, so schedule early. See the NJ Division of Fire Safety for details.
Preparation, repairs and credits
- Pre-listing repairs, cleaning, painting or staging.
- Credits or repairs negotiated after the buyer's inspection.
- Seller concessions toward the buyer's closing costs, if agreed.
- Moving costs and any overlap in housing payments.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and programs change; consult a New Jersey real estate attorney, tax professional or lender about your situation.
