Seller Closing Costs in Virginia - 2025 Owner's Guide

Virginia homeowners should get well-acquainted with the topic of closing costs before deciding to sell their home. 

As exciting as it is to reap the reward of a successful home sale, it can be jarring to see the line items you’ll be responsible for as you close the deal. Some of these expenses are negotiable between buyer and seller, while others are the responsibility of the specific party.

Luckily, Virginia doesn’t have many quirks or curveballs regarding seller closing costs; most of the expenses you’ll see are fairly similar to other real estate markets across the country. 

Below, we analyze what seller closing costs in Virginia are, how to estimate them, and even ways to potentially offset the hefty expenses.

What are seller closing costs in Virginia?

Seller closing costs refer to the various expenses a seller must pay for when finalizing the sale of their property. In Virginia, while there are similarities with other states, it is vital to understand local practices and regulations to anticipate the costs accurately.

These costs can range from title fees to transfer taxes to real estate agent commission fees – typically the largest chunk of closing costs, which is traditionally divided between the buyer's and the seller's agents. Depending on the sale price of your home, this particular closing expense can be a tough pill to swallow. But luckily, there are a few tips we will share further below that can potentially minimize the impact of these costs on your profit.

Additionally, sellers might be responsible for any unpaid homeowner association dues, utility bills, or other prorated costs up to the closing date, depending on their unique situation. For example, if there's an existing mortgage on the property, the seller may have to use a part of the sale proceeds to pay it off.

Examples of seller closing costs in Virginia

• Real estate commission 
• Title search and insurance premiums
• Transfer taxes
• Recording fees
• Prorated property taxes
• Outstanding utility bills or HOA dues
• Seller concessions or credits to the buyer

Average seller closing costs in Virginia

In Virginia, seller closing costs generally range from 7% to 9% of the sale price, depending greatly on the situation. As we mentioned earlier, the most significant portion of this is the real estate commission, which traditionally stands at around 5% to 6%of the home’s final purchase price.

Transfer taxes in Virginia typically include a collection of tax fees such as the "grantor" tax, city and county transfer tax, and the state transfer tax. Virginia’s "grantor" tax can be the bulkier of the lot and is the direct responsibility of the seller (you can’t negotiate for the buyer to pay it); the tax is typically $1 per $1,000 of the home's sale price. 

Moreover, recording fees, usually nominal but essential, can range anywhere from $20 to $300, depending on the county where you complete the sale. Some Virginia counties may adjust their price according to the amount of real estate documents they must record. 

Then, there are the prorated property taxes and any outstanding utility bills or HOA dues, which vary based on the location and services received.

When gauging the potential costs, it's crucial for sellers to have an up-to-date assessment of their property's value. Consulting with local experts and comparing with recent similar sales can provide insights into potential sale prices and, by extension, the estimated closing costs.

How to reduce seller closing costs in Virginia

One of the most immediate avenues for potential savings is the realtor commission. 

While many traditional brokerages in Virginia charge between 5% to 6% of the sale price, it's not set in stone. It's vital for sellers to be proactive and initiate discussions regarding commission structures early in the listing process. Regardless of what anyone tells you, real estate commissions in Virginia are always negotiable.

Another potential lane for reducing closing costs is leveraging a seller's market. A real estate market with limited inventory and high demand can result in buyers willing to take on costs traditionally borne by the seller to make their offer more attractive.

Lastly, maintaining your property in pristine condition is also essential. A home in good shape is less likely to see buyers negotiate aggressively for repairs or improvements. Addressing any glaring issues or potential deal-breakers upfront can reduce the chances of buyers asking for repair credits during the negotiation phase.

Interested in selling your home in Virginia? Learn how you can save on commission with Prevu’s seller services.