Virginia sellers typically pay 7–9% of the sale price in total closing costs. Here's what that breaks down to.
The quick numbers.
| Cost item | $600K home | $800K home | $1M home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission (5–6%) | $30,000–$36,000 | $40,000–$48,000 | $50,000–$60,000 |
| VA grantor's tax | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| NoVA Congestion + WMATA fee | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Recording releases | $51–$150 | $51–$150 | $51–$150 |
| Title insurance + fees | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,200–$3,200 | $2,600–$3,800 |
| Settlement fees | $500–$1,000 | $500–$1,000 | $600–$1,200 |
| HOA fees (if any) | $300–$700 | $300–$700 | $300–$700 |
| Home warranty (optional) | $500–$800 | $500–$800 | $500–$800 |
| Prorated taxes + HOA | $500–$3,000 | $700–$4,000 | $900–$5,000 |
| Estimated total | ~$35,000–$47,000 | ~$46,000–$60,000 | ~$57,000–$74,000 |
Line by line.
Real estate commission
Split between listing side and buyer's side. Since August 2024, buyer's agent compensation is negotiated separately as part of the offer. In most Northern Virginia deals, sellers still cover the buyer's side.
Virginia grantor's tax
Paid entirely by the seller. Goes to Virginia general fund. If the loan is assumed, applied to the amount above principal balance instead.
Congestion Relief + WMATA Capital Fee
Applies in Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties (and all cities within). Funds regional transportation and Metro. Sellers outside these jurisdictions don't pay this.
Title insurance + title fees
Virginia custom is for sellers to pay the owner's title insurance policy (~$1,200–$2,500 on a $600K–$1M home) plus title search, document prep, courier, and coordination fees. Rates are state-regulated; service fees vary by title company.
Settlement fees
Paid to the settlement company for preparing docs, calculating prorations, collecting and distributing funds, and recording everything. Attorneys are not required in Virginia; add $500–$1,500 if you hire one.
Recording releases
Small clerk-of-court fees to record mortgage payoff and any lien releases. Usually $200–$400 total.
HOA / condo fees
- Transfer fee: $100–$400
- Resale disclosure packet: $150–$400
- Capital contribution: $100–$500 (only some HOAs)
Prorated property taxes + HOA dues
Property taxes and HOA dues are split between you and the buyer based on the closing date. If you prepaid, the buyer credits you. If you owe unpaid amounts for months you owned, you credit the buyer. Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria bill semi-annually — late July and late December.
Optional costs.
- Buyer closing cost credit: 1–3% of sale price if negotiated. More common in slower markets.
- Home warranty: $500–$800 for one year of coverage on major systems.
- Repair credits: Post-inspection. Negotiable based on what the buyer's inspector finds.
- Pre-listing prep: Paint, landscaping, minor repairs. Not a closing cost, but almost always pays back multiple times over.
Negotiable vs. not.
Negotiable
- Commission rate
- Buyer closing cost credits
- Repair credits after inspection
- Home warranty
- Closing date (affects prorations)
Non-negotiable
- VA grantor's tax ($1/$1,000)
- Regional Congestion + WMATA fee ($2/$1,000 in NoVA)
- Recording fees
- HOA transfer fees (set by HOA)
- Title insurance rates (state-regulated)
Bottom line.
On a typical $750K Northern Virginia home, expect roughly $52,000–$60,000 in total closing costs, netting the seller about $690,000–$698,000 before mortgage payoff. Your specific number depends on your commission agreement, closing date, and whether you have an HOA.
Before you list, get a real net sheet. Not a Zillow estimate — a document with your actual numbers.
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