Your Trusted

Real Estate Expert Karen Rivard

First-Time Buyer Specialist | Strategic Negotiation

With 14 years on The Damon Home Team and 20 years in real estate, I specialize in helping first-time home buyers and sellers navigate the real estate process with confidence. Licensed in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, my goal is to make your experience stress-free by providing expert guidance, market insights, and strong negotiation strategies.

My Mission: To exceed your expectations by making real estate transactions smooth, stress-free, and successful.

Your Trusted

Real Estate Expert Karen Rivard

Your Experienced Realtor® with 20 Years of Success

It is my goal to exceed your real estate expectations while treating you with respect and honesty throughout every step of the transaction—and beyond!

As a proud member of The Damon Home Team, I specialize in working with both buyers and sellers to ensure a seamless experience. Over the last 14 years, I have built a strong and reputable business based on trust, dedication, and results.

Your goals become my goals. I am here to guide you, support you, and advocate for you throughout the entire process.

What Sets Karen Apart?

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First Time Buyer Guidance

Simplifying your first home purchase with patient support and clear, confident guidance.

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Educator at Heart

Ensuring clients understand every step so they can make confident decisions

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Local Market Knowledge

Using deep local expertise to find your ideal home and ensure smart buying or selling decisions.

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Care and Compassion

Providing empathetic guidance and genuine care through the emotional aspects of real estate.

Why Work With Me?

"Karen made the home buying and selling process so easy! She truly cared about our goals and guided us every step of the way." - Alexis | Homeowner

  • Client-Centered Approach: I listen, strategize, and act with your best interests in mind.

  • Expert Market Knowledge: I research the market and position your home or offer for success.

  • Comprehensive Support: From staging to closing, I manage every detail to make the process seamless.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: I work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible.

Why Work With Me?

"Karen made the home buying and selling process so easy! She truly cared about our goals and guided us every step of the way." - Alexis | Homeowner

  • Client-Centered Approach: I listen, strategize, and act with your best interests in mind.

  • Expert Market Knowledge: I research the market and position your home or offer for success.

  • Comprehensive Support: From staging to closing, I manage every detail to make the process seamless.

  • Strong Negotiation Skills: I work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible.

Client Success Stories

"Karen was incredible in helping us buy our first home. She explained everything, negotiated on our behalf, and made the process stress-free!"

"Her knowledge and experience were invaluable! Karen helped us stage and sell our home quickly for a fantastic price."

Market Insights & Resources

Stay ahead with expert tips and market updates tailored for first-time buyers and sellers.

What You Need to Know About Closing Costs for Home Sellers

What You Need to Know About Closing Costs for Home Sellers

November 15, 20245 min read

Understanding Closing Costs When Selling Your Home

Selling a home is exciting, but it comes with expenses that can catch you off guard. Imagine this: you’re at the closing table, expecting to walk away with a solid profit, only to see thousands of dollars deducted from your proceeds. That’s the reality of closing costs, and if you don’t prepare for them, they can take a big bite out of your earnings.

In this post, we’ll break down the costs sellers typically pay, why they exist, and how to keep more of your money when selling your home.


What Are Closing Costs?

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the final expenses you pay to complete the sale of your home. They cover everything from real estate commissions to title transfers and legal fees. Typically, sellers pay 6% to 10% of the home’s sale price in closing costs.

Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you budget properly and avoid last-minute surprises.


The Most Common Closing Costs for Home Sellers

The Most Common Closing Costs for Home Sellers

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions
Real estate commissions remain a key expense for many sellers, but recent changes have made them more flexible and negotiable. Sellers are no longer required to cover the buyer’s agent commission, and all commission agreements must be clearly disclosed and agreed upon upfront.

  • How much do commissions cost?
    Traditionally, commission rates ranged from 5% to 6% of the sale price. However, with the new rules, commission structures vary more widely and are subject to direct negotiation between sellers, buyers, and agents.

  • Who pays the commission?
    Sellers may still choose to pay the buyer’s agent commission, but it is no longer an industry standard. Some buyers may now be responsible for paying their own agent’s commission. Listing agents still charge a fee for marketing, negotiations, and transaction management, but the rate is now more customizable.

If you’re wondering whether an agent is worth the cost, consider their role in getting top dollar for your home. A great agent often makes up for their commission by negotiating a higher sale price.


2. Transfer Taxes and Recording Fees
Transfer taxes are state and local fees for legally transferring ownership of your home.

  • How much do transfer taxes cost?
    They vary but can range from 0.5% to 2% of the sale price.

  • Who pays these taxes?
    In many states, the seller covers the cost, but buyers may take on part or all of it depending on the agreement.


3. Title Insurance (Owner’s Policy)

3. Title Insurance (Owner’s Policy)

Title insurance protects buyers from ownership disputes or legal claims on the property. While buyers typically purchase their own policy, many sellers pay for an owner’s title policy as part of the deal.

  • Is title insurance mandatory?
    No, but it’s often expected in a home sale.

  • Cost:
    Usually 0.5% to 1% of the home’s sale price.


4. Escrow and Closing Fees

Escrow services handle funds and documents to keep the transaction secure. These fees also cover the final paperwork involved in transferring ownership.

  • What do escrow companies do?
    They hold funds in a secure account and ensure all terms of the contract are met before money changes hands.

  • How much do these fees cost?
    Between $500 and $2,000, depending on your location and provider.


5. Prorated Property Taxes

5. Prorated Property Taxes

Because property taxes are paid annually, you’ll need to pay your share up until the closing date.

  • How is it calculated?
    The total property tax bill is split based on the number of days you owned the home that year.

Example: If property taxes are $6,000 per year and you sell halfway through the year, you owe $3,000 in prorated taxes.

6. Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees

If your home is in an HOA, expect extra fees at closing.

  • Unpaid dues: Any outstanding HOA fees must be paid before closing.

Transfer fees: Some HOAs charge $200 to $1,000 just to process the ownership change. These fees vary widely depending on the HOA’s rules.


7. Attorney Fees (If Required)

7. Attorney Fees (If Required)
In some states, you must hire a real estate attorney to review and finalize the sale.

  • Cost:
    Typically $500 to $1,500.

  • What do they do?
    Review contracts and closing documents to make sure everything is legally sound.

Even if not required, an attorney can help protect your interests in complex transactions.


How to Reduce Your Closing Costs

Closing costs can take a sizable chunk out of your home sale profits, but the good news is that there are ways to cut back on these expenses. Whether through negotiation, strategic choices, or finding cost-effective service providers, you have options to keep more money in your pocket. Here are some practical ways to lower your closing costs as a seller.

1. Negotiate Agent Commissions
Many agents are willing to negotiate their fees, especially in competitive markets. Consider discount brokers who charge lower commissions while still handling essential tasks.

2. Ask the Buyer to Cover Some Costs
In some deals, buyers agree to cover certain closing costs instead of negotiating a lower sale price. This works best in a seller’s market, where buyers compete for homes.

3. Shop Around for Service Providers
Get multiple quotes for title insurance, escrow services, and attorneys. Some companies offer discounts for bundled services.


Preparing for Closing

Preparing for Closing

As you approach the finish line of your home sale, there are still a few final steps to take before closing day. Proper preparation can help avoid last-minute surprises and ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to do before handing over the keys.

1. Review the Closing Disclosure Early
You’ll get a Closing Disclosure a few days before closing that lists all costs. Review it carefully to catch any unexpected charges.

2. Finalize Repairs and Paperwork
Complete any agreed-upon repairs before closing. Make sure liens, HOA fees, and taxes are paid to avoid delays.


Final Thoughts

Selling a home is more than just finding a buyer. Closing costs can add up, but by knowing what to expect and planning ahead, you can keep more of your profit.


Thinking about selling your home?
Let’s make sure you’re ready for closing costs and set you up to walk away with the most profit possible. I’ll guide you through every step of the way—stress-free and well-prepared.
Start your next chapter today at
damonhometeam.com.

Selling a HomeHome SellersReal Estate Closing CostsClosing CostsReal Estate FeesSeller Net ProceedsHome Sale ProfitsCost of Selling a HomeNH Real Estate CostsClosing Process for Sellers
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The Damon Home Team

The Damon Home Team is a top-performing real estate group specializing in buying, selling, and relocation services throughout New Hampshire. With a commitment to expert guidance, market-driven strategies, and a client-first approach, we help homeowners maximize their home’s value and buyers find their perfect property. Whether you’re looking for a fast cash sale, a seamless move, or expert investment advice, our team delivers results with integrity and professionalism.

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