When selling a home in Georgia, many homeowners focus on the sale price — but the real question is how much you’ll actually take home after closing. Closing costs can significantly affect your bottom line, and knowing what to expect helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises.
In this guide, we’ll break down what closing costs are, who pays for what in Georgia, and how you can reduce or even eliminate these expenses when working with a local home buyer like Longleaf Home Buyers.
What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses that come with finalizing a real estate transaction. These include services that ensure the property legally transfers from seller to buyer, such as title checks, recording fees, and attorney charges.
In Georgia, closing costs generally range between 2% and 5% of the home’s sale price. For a $250,000 home, that could mean $5,000 to $12,500 in expenses — a big difference depending on the type of sale.
Typical Closing Costs in Georgia
Here’s a closer look at some of the most common fees you might encounter when selling your home in Georgia:
- Title Search & Insurance – Ensures there are no ownership disputes or unpaid liens.
- Attorney Fees – Georgia law requires an attorney to oversee real estate closings.
- Recording Fees – Paid to the county to record the deed and transfer of ownership.
- Transfer Taxes – A small state or local tax on the property transfer.
- Prorated Property Taxes – Sellers typically pay for the portion of the year they’ve owned the home.
- Real Estate Agent Commissions – Usually 5%–6% of the sale price, split between buyer and seller agents.
- Repairs and Credits – In traditional sales, buyers may request repairs or price reductions after inspection.
Who Pays What in Georgia?
In Georgia, both buyers and sellers share the responsibility for closing costs, but sellers often shoulder a larger portion.
Sellers typically pay for:
- Real estate commissions
- Owner’s title insurance policy
- Attorney fees for document preparation
- Recording and transfer taxes
- Prorated property taxes
- Agreed-upon repairs or concessions
Buyers typically pay for:
- Loan origination and underwriting fees
- Appraisal and inspection fees
- Lender’s title insurance
- Escrow deposits and prepaid property taxes
While these divisions are fairly standard, they can vary depending on local custom or the terms of the purchase agreement.
Hidden Costs That Surprise Sellers
Even experienced homeowners are sometimes caught off guard by unexpected fees. Some examples include:
- Courier or wire transfer fees
- HOA document preparation or transfer charges
- Pest inspection or home warranty costs
- Outstanding utility bills or liens
These small items can add up, cutting into your profits more than you expect.
How to Reduce or Eliminate Closing Costs
If you’re selling traditionally through an agent, these costs are unavoidable. However, working with a direct cash buyer like Longleaf Home Buyers can help you skip nearly all of them.
When you sell directly to Longleaf Home Buyers:
- We pay all standard closing costs.
- You don’t pay any agent commissions.
- There are no repair costs or hidden fees.
- You choose the closing date that fits your schedule.
That means what we offer is exactly what you walk away with — no deductions, no surprises.
Why Closing Costs Matter for Sellers
For many Augusta and Georgia homeowners, closing costs can be the difference between a smooth sale and a financial setback. Understanding what to expect ensures you won’t be blindsided on closing day.
If you’re short on time or simply want a simpler, faster way to sell without losing thousands to fees, Longleaf Home Buyers offers a better alternative. We specialize in fair cash offers for homes across Georgia — no commissions, no repairs, and no closing costs.
Selling your home in Georgia doesn’t have to mean losing thousands to home sale fees and closing expenses. When you know who pays what — and partner with a local company that covers these costs for you — the process becomes faster, easier, and more profitable.
If you’re ready to sell your house in Georgia without paying closing costs, reach out to Longleaf Home Buyers today.
Call us at (706) 760-9783 or contact us online to get your free, no-obligation cash offer.
With Longleaf Home Buyers, what we offer is what you keep — no fees, no stress, and no surprises.