Seller Closing Costs in Arlington Explained

Selling your home in Arlington and wondering what you’ll actually net? You’re not alone. Many sellers focus on price, but closing costs can have a big impact on your bottom line. In this guide, you’ll learn what sellers in Arlington and Tarrant County typically pay, what’s negotiable in Texas, and how to estimate your net proceeds with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What sellers typically pay

Across the U.S., total seller closing costs commonly range around 6–10% of the sale price, with the largest single cost often being the real estate commission. Texas does not charge a state real estate transfer tax, but you will still see title and recording fees, prorated property taxes, and payoff amounts for any liens. In many Texas sales, the seller customarily pays for the owner’s title insurance policy, but this is negotiable.

Commission

The real estate commission is often the largest line item. Nationally, it is commonly around 5–6% of the sale price, but your specific percentage is negotiable and set in your listing agreement. The commission is usually split between the listing and buyer’s brokers and paid from your proceeds at closing.

Title and closing fees

A Texas title company typically handles the search, closing coordination, and recording. Fees include the escrow or closing fee, deed prep and recording, and title insurance. In many Texas transactions, the seller often pays the owner’s title policy, which is a one-time premium based on the sale price. These practices are customary, not mandatory, so confirm the split in your contract.

Property tax proration

Texas property taxes are prorated at closing. You pay for the portion of the tax year you owned the property, based on the closing date. In Tarrant County, bills reflect rates across local jurisdictions, and the title company will calculate the proration using current information. If taxes are unpaid or delinquent, those amounts are settled at closing.

Mortgage payoff and liens

Any existing mortgage, HELOC, judgment, or tax lien must be paid off at closing. Your lender will issue a payoff statement with the exact amount, including interest through the payoff date and any fees. Request this early so you can estimate your net.

HOA, MUD, and special districts

If your home is in an HOA, expect a resale certificate, transfer fee, and prorated dues. Some North Texas neighborhoods are in Municipal Utility Districts or other special districts that may require payoff amounts or transfer steps at closing. Your title company will request any required demands.

Repairs and concessions

Depending on negotiations, you might agree to complete repairs or provide credits to the buyer. The amount depends on market conditions and the home’s condition after inspections and appraisal.

Pre-listing investments

While not closing fees, pre-listing costs affect your net. Think staging, professional photos, landscaping, and small repairs. These can help your home show better and sell faster, but weigh the cost against expected return.

How to estimate your net

Use this simple process to build your own net sheet:

1. Start with your sale price.
2. Subtract the agreed commission percentage.
3. Subtract title and closing fees, including the owner’s title policy if you are paying it.
4. Subtract prorated property taxes, HOA dues, and any special assessments.
5. Subtract your mortgage payoff and any other lien payoffs.
6. Subtract any seller concessions or estimated repair costs.
7. For planning, include pre-listing expenses you want to recover.
8. The result is your estimated net before any income tax considerations.

Example net estimate

Here is an illustrative example to show the math. Your actual figures will vary.

• Sale price: $400,000
• Commission at 6%: $24,000
• Title/closing plus owner’s title policy: $2,000–$3,500
• Prorated taxes and HOA: $1,500
• Mortgage payoff: $200,000
• Repairs or concessions: $2,000
• Estimated net: about $169,500

Closing timeline in Texas

A title company or escrow agent coordinates the process, prepares your settlement statement, and manages payoffs and recording. You sign the deed and payoff authorizations, then the title company records the deed and disburses funds after funding. Most sellers receive net proceeds at or shortly after closing, depending on recording and wire timing.

Ways to reduce costs

• Negotiate your commission with your listing broker.
• Compare title company fees if your contract allows you to choose the provider.
• Tackle obvious repair items early to limit last-minute credits.
• Be selective with pre-listing upgrades unless they clearly improve price or time on market.

Local checks before listing

• Confirm current recording fees with the Tarrant County Clerk.
• Ask a local title company for an owner’s title policy quote and escrow fee estimate.
• Review expected tax proration using the latest information from the Tarrant Appraisal District and the Tarrant County Tax Office.
• Request HOA resale requirements and any MUD or special district payoff details.
• Pull a mortgage payoff quote from your lender to understand your starting balance.

Capital gains basics

Many sellers may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain if filing single or up to $500,000 if married filing jointly, if ownership and use tests are met. If you do not qualify or your gain exceeds the exclusion, you may owe capital gains tax. Always review your situation with a tax professional.

Common Arlington pitfalls

• Properties in MUDs or with special assessments that require payoff or approvals.
• Delinquent property taxes or older liens that can delay closing.
• HOA transfer rules, resale certificates, or community-specific fees.
• Unresolved repairs that lead to costly concessions after inspection.

Work with a local advisor

You deserve clear answers and a smooth sale. Our team provides a detailed seller net sheet, coordinates with the title company, and guides you on what is customary in Arlington so there are no surprises. With Compass-powered tools like Concierge for pre-market improvements and Private Exclusives for targeted exposure, we help you maximize your net and reduce friction from day one. Ready to talk through your numbers and timeline? Connect with the Cardoza Group, Inc for a friendly, pressure-free consultation.

FAQs

What seller costs are typical in Arlington?

• Common items include commission, title and escrow fees, owner’s title policy when customary, prorated property taxes, mortgage or lien payoffs, HOA or MUD fees, and any negotiated repairs or concessions.

Does Texas have a transfer tax on home sales?

• No. Texas does not impose a state real estate transfer tax, though you will still pay county recording fees and standard title and closing charges.

Who usually pays for the owner’s title policy in Texas?

• It is often customary for the seller to pay, but it is negotiable and should be confirmed in your purchase contract and with the title company.

How are property taxes handled at closing in Tarrant County?

• Taxes are prorated to the closing date so you pay for the portion of the year you owned the home; any unpaid taxes or delinquencies are settled at closing.

How can I estimate my net proceeds before listing?

• Start with your expected sale price, subtract commission, estimated title and closing fees, prorated taxes and HOA, your mortgage payoff, and any planned repairs or concessions to arrive at a rough net.