"What am I actually going to walk away with?" is the first question almost every seller in Jacksonville, Hubert, and the rest of Onslow County asks me. The sale price is only half the story. Here are the costs North Carolina sellers usually pay, so nothing on the settlement statement surprises you.
1. Brokerage commission
Commission is negotiable and is set in your listing agreement. Since August 2024, compensation for the buyer's agent is handled separately from the listing agreement under the national NAR settlement rules, and sellers can still choose to offer buyer-agent compensation or a concession. I'll walk you through the options before you sign anything.
2. NC excise tax (deed stamps)
North Carolina charges an excise tax when a deed is recorded: $1 for every $500 of the sale price (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-228.30). Under the standard NC Offer to Purchase and Contract, the seller pays it. Example math only: on a $300,000 sale, that's $600.
3. Attorney fees for the deed
North Carolina closings are handled by attorneys. The buyer usually hires the closing attorney, but the seller typically pays for preparing the deed and related seller documents.
4. Mortgage payoff
Your remaining loan balance, plus any interest through the payoff date, is paid off at closing. Ask your lender for a payoff statement. It's usually a little higher than the balance on your monthly statement.
5. Prorated property taxes
North Carolina property taxes run on the calendar year. At closing, taxes are split so you pay for the part of the year you owned the home. If you've already paid the full year's bill, you'll get a credit back.
6. Repairs and buyer concessions
During the due diligence period, buyers often ask for repairs or a credit. Coastal buyers pay close attention to roofs, HVAC, moisture, and termite reports. A little prep before listing can keep these requests smaller.
7. HOA fees, if you have one
Some neighborhoods charge transfer or statement fees when a home sells. Many homes in our area don't have an HOA at all, so this one may be zero for you.
8. Other possible costs
Depending on your situation: a home warranty for the buyer, a survey, a well or septic inspection on rural lots, or utility final bills.
How to know your real number
The best way is a seller net sheet built on your actual payoff, your tax bill, and a realistic price from recent local sales. I'll put one together for you at no cost. If you're in Hubert, start with Sell your home in Hubert, NC.
Thinking about selling? I'm Aaron Dominguez, Broker/Realtor with RE/MAX Elite Realty Group, 2025 RE/MAX Elite Top Listing Agent and a Realtor.com Premier Agent. Call or text 919.793.4090, or get a free home valuation and I'll include a net sheet. Hubert sellers can also see my Hubert selling guide.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Your closing attorney and tax advisor can confirm the details for your sale.