If you’re thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: What’s it going to cost me? In Vancouver BC, selling a home comes with a variety of expenses—some expected, some less obvious. Understanding these costs will help you calculate your net sale price, after everything is said and done. Let’s break down the true cost of selling a home in Vancouver.
Home Preparation and Staging

Home preparation and staging can significantly affect 
how much buyers are willing to offer. 

First impressions are everything in real estate. Many potential buyers only see your home once—perhaps during an open house—and they may be viewing multiple properties in a single day. To stand out, you need to make sure your home looks its absolute best, both online and in person.

Here are some common steps that sellers take to boost their home's appeal:

  • Painting: Whether it’s freshening up the interior, touching up the exterior, or both, a new coat of paint makes a huge difference.
  • Professional Cleaning: Deep cleaning helps your home shine, from the windows to the carpets.
  • Gardening & Landscaping: Curb appeal matters. A well-kept garden and tidy yard are inviting and set a positive tone before buyers even step inside.
  • Minor Repairs and Renovations: Fix leaky faucets, replace broken fixtures, or even consider more substantial renovations that offer a high return on investment.
  • Staging: Whether you go for light touch-ups or full professional staging, making your home look beautiful and clutter-free is key. Consider renting a storage locker for extra items to create a spacious feel.
Please note. This doesn't mean taking on massive renovation, before considering one, we can have a consultation on which upgrades are not worth the cost and which ones will offer the best return on investment (ROI).

Real Estate Commissions

Real estate commissions are often the biggest expense when selling your home, and they vary depending on the agent and the level of service provided. There is no set standard, and each brokerage and REALTOR sets their own rate, which is negotiable. My marketing fee covers all the essentials to showcase your home in the best light, including:

  • Professional Photos: High-quality, professional photos are critical to make your home stand out online. Most buyers begin their search on the internet, and great photos can make a huge difference in generating interest.
  • Video Tours: Video tours provide potential buyers with a virtual walk-through of your home, allowing them to envision the space and layout before visiting in person. This is especially important for out-of-town buyers who may not be able to attend open houses.
  • Floor Plans: Including detailed floor plans helps buyers understand the layout and size of your home, making it easier for them to imagine their belongings in the space. It also helps attract serious buyers who already know the home fits their needs.
  • Advertising: Effective advertising gets your property in front of as many potential buyers as possible. This includes online listings, social media advertising, print materials, and more, ensuring maximum exposure.
  • Staging Consultation: If needed, some homes just naturally sparkle, my marketing fee includes a staging consultation to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light, highlighting its best features and maximizing its appeal to potential buyers.
  • Strata Documents: For strata properties, I cover the cost of obtaining strata documents to make sure buyers can review them upfront, helping to attract offers with fewer conditions.
When you hire an agent, their commission is generally split between the Listing Agent (who represents you, the seller), the Listing Agent’s Brokerage, the Buyer’s Agent (who represents the buyer), and the Buyer’s Agent’s Brokerage. This portion that goes to the Buyer’s Agent comes from the listing agent fees and is not an extra cost for you.

Legal (Notary/Lawyer) Fees

Every real estate transaction in BC requires legal representation. Your lawyer or notary will help finalize the sale, draft the Statement of Adjustments, and handle the closing paperwork. The cost for legal representation can vary depending on the complexity of your transaction, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,100.

Mortgage Discharge

If you’re still carrying a mortgage on your home, you may need to pay a penalty to discharge it early. Depending on your lender and the terms of your mortgage, this fee can add up to thousands of dollars. It’s a good idea to talk to your mortgage lender or broker ahead of time to understand your options—especially if you’re planning to buy another property and may be able to port your mortgage.

Other Costs to Consider

While the above are the major expenses involved in selling your home, there are some additional costs to budget for:

  • Move-In/Move-Out Fees: If you’re in a strata property, there could be fees for moving, usually $100 to $300.
  • Moving Costs: Hiring a moving truck or moving company will add to your expenses.
  • Pet Boarding: If you have pets, you may need to board them temporarily during open houses or showings.
  • Keys and Fobs: Extra sets of keys or building fobs for your real estate agent or for new owners.
Okay, Anthony, what does this all mean? Give me a number! I like to say budget anywhere from 3-5% of the selling price as the cost of selling your home.
Note: This breakdown does not take into consideration any capital gains or income taxes if this is an investment property.

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