What Texas Sellers Really Pay in Closing Costs

“How much will I actually walk away with?” That’s the first question most sellers ask me, and it’s the right one. Between commissions, title fees, prorated taxes, and concessions, the gap between your sale price and your final check can reach tens of thousands. On top of that, the rules around real estate commissions changed in 2024. That’s why I prepare a net sheet with every seller before a home ever hits the market. So here’s how seller closing costs in Texas break down in 2026. My examples are based on the market I serve, from Austin to Buda and San Marcos to Round Rock, Bastrop to Elgin, and Lockhart.

Seller Closing Costs in Texas

How Much Does It Cost to Sell in Texas?

So, how much does it cost to sell a house in Texas? The biggest piece is usually the real estate commission, which is always negotiable. After that come title insurance, escrow fees, prorated property taxes, and any concessions you agree to give the buyer.

For example, Unlock MLS reported a September 2026 median of $421,000 for the Austin metro. On a home at that price, my sample net sheet below comes to about 7.4% in total costs, or roughly $31,100 before your mortgage payoff. However, every sale is different. For instance, a seller who doesn’t offer buyer concessions may pay noticeably less.

Real Estate Commission in Texas After the NAR Settlement

To begin with, the 2024 NAR settlement didn’t eliminate commissions. Instead, it changed how they’re offered and negotiated. Since August 17, 2024, offers of buyer’s agent compensation can no longer appear on the MLS. In addition, buyer’s agents must sign a written agreement with their buyers before touring homes, and that agreement must state their compensation. As NAR points out, commissions have always been fully negotiable.

So what does that mean for you as a seller? As I explained in my article “Home Offer Negotiation Mistakes Every Austin-Area Buyer Should Avoid,” buyers can no longer assume the seller will cover their agent’s fee. Likewise, sellers shouldn’t assume they won’t be asked. Today, buyer’s agent compensation is negotiated with each offer, right alongside price, concessions, and closing costs. You can still choose to offer it, just not through the MLS.

That’s also why there’s no standard rate to plan around. The commission in my net sheet below is only an example, and the actual rate is always agreed on in writing.

Texas Seller Closing Costs, Line by Line

Beyond commissions, these are the costs I review with every seller.

Property taxes, in particular, deserve a closer look. Texas has no state income tax, so local property taxes are relatively high. In Austin, for example, the Austin ISD rate alone is about 92 cents per $100 of taxable value for 2026, according to Austin Current. The city, Travis County, Central Health, and Austin Community College then add their own rates. Taxes are billed in the fall for the whole year. As a result, your share up to the closing date is usually credited to the buyer at closing.

Net Proceeds Example on a $421,000 Austin-Area Home

Using that same $421,000 median price, here’s what an illustrative Texas seller net proceeds sheet can look like.

Of course, this is an illustration, not a guarantee. For one thing, it doesn’t include your mortgage payoff, which the title company pays directly at closing. It also leaves out any repair credits negotiated after the inspection. In short, every line shifts with your sale price, closing date, HOA, and final terms.

Buyer Concessions That Can Change Your Bottom Line

In a more balanced market, buyers often ask for help. For example, they may request repair credits after the inspection, a rate buydown, or help with their closing costs. As I mentioned in my article “What It Really Costs to Buy in Austin,” FHA buyers can ask for up to 6%. However, each loan type sets its own limit.

Since the NAR settlement, some of these conversations also include the buyer’s agent fee. My job is to help you weigh each request against your price, your timeline, and the strength of other offers. In other words, I don’t say yes automatically, and you shouldn’t either.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Seller Closing Costs

Do Texas sellers still pay the buyer’s agent?

Not automatically. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer’s agent compensation is negotiated offer by offer and can’t be advertised on the MLS. Many sellers still agree to cover some or all of it to stay competitive. However, it’s a choice, not a given.

Who pays for title insurance in Texas?

By custom, the seller usually pays for the buyer’s owner’s title policy, although the contract can say otherwise. Also, the premium is set by the Texas Department of Insurance, so the basic rate is the same at every title company.

Do I need an attorney to sell in Texas?

No. In Texas, title companies handle residential closings, so an attorney isn’t required for a typical sale. Still, some sellers hire one for special situations, such as probate or liens.

Every seller’s numbers change with the sale price, mortgage payoff, HOA, and the offer itself. That’s why figures like these are a starting point, not a substitute for a personalized net sheet. If you’re thinking about selling, let’s sit down and run your numbers together before you list.

Let’s connect! Irma D. Lozano – 512-801-0535