“How much will I actually walk away with?” That’s the real question when you sell, and it’s not the same as the sale price. A higher price with an agent can leave you with less than a lower cash offer once the costs come out. Here’s an honest, side-by-side look at what it really costs to sell a house in British Columbia.
The costs nobody puts on the sign
- Real estate commission, commonly tiered (often around 7% on the first $100,000 and about 2.5% on the balance, split between both sides)
- Repairs, staging, cleaning, and photos to get it market-ready
- Carrying costs while it sits: mortgage, property taxes, utilities, insurance
- Legal or notary fees at closing
- Buyer repair credits negotiated after the inspection
Note that in BC the Property Transfer Tax is paid by the buyer, not you, but the seller-side costs above still add up quickly.
Agent sale vs. cash offer: an honest example
Here’s an illustrative comparison on a home that might list around $900,000 in BC. Your figures will differ, but the shape holds.
| Sell with an agent | Sell to a cash buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Sale price | $900,000 | $800,000 |
| Commission (tiered, ~$27,000) | −$27,000 | $0 |
| Repairs & prep | −$18,000 | $0 |
| Carrying costs (3–4 months) | −$12,000 | ~$0 |
| Legal / notary | −$1,800 | Often covered |
| Rough net to you | ~$841,000 | ~$800,000 |
Illustrative only. Every home, repair list, and timeline is different.
What the numbers actually say
In this example the agent sale still nets more, and for a tidy, move-in-ready home with time to spare, that’s usually true. The gap narrows fast, though, when a home needs real repairs, sits for months, or a deal falls through and you start over. The cash number is also certain; the agent number assumes everything goes smoothly.
The bottom line
Don’t compare a sale price to a cash offer. Compare your net, after commission, repairs, and carrying costs, against the certainty and speed each path gives you. Once you run your own numbers, the right choice is usually clear.
To put a real figure on the cash side, you can request a no-obligation cash offer and set it beside your likely net from listing. No cost, no pressure.
Ready to sell? Get your free cash offer
No fees, no commissions, no repairs, and no obligation. Tell us about your home and get a fair cash offer, then close on the date that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a house in BC?
With an agent, expect tiered commission plus repairs, staging, carrying costs, and legal fees, which can total tens of thousands. A cash sale has no commission or repair costs but a lower sale price.
Who pays the Property Transfer Tax in BC?
The buyer pays the Property Transfer Tax, not the seller. Your main selling costs are commission, any repairs, carrying costs, and legal or notary fees.
What is the real estate commission in BC?
Commissions are negotiable but are often tiered, commonly around 7% on the first $100,000 and about 2.5% on the balance, split between the buying and selling sides.
Do I pay closing costs when I sell in BC?
Sellers typically pay legal or notary fees and any outstanding costs at closing. Many cash buyers cover standard closing costs.
How do I compare an agent sale to a cash offer fairly?
Compare net to net. Subtract commission, repairs, staging, and carrying costs from the agent price, then weigh that against the cash offer’s speed and certainty.
When is a cash sale worth the lower price?
When the home needs repairs, when speed and certainty matter, or when months of carrying costs and the risk of a deal collapsing would eat the difference anyway.