The Clear Path HomeStephanie Muhlenfeld · LPT Realty

St. Louis, MO · Seller costs

The cost of selling a house in St. Louis.

Your sale price isn't what you walk away with. Here's every cost St. Louis sellers usually run into, what drives each one, and how to see your own number before you list.

Seller costs

What comes out of your sale price in St. Louis.

  1. 01Real estate commissionUsually the largest cost. Commissions are negotiable and set in your listing agreement. Whether you also offer to pay part of a buyer's agent fee is a separate decision you make.
  2. 02Title and closing feesIn many St. Louis area sales the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy and part of the title company's closing fee. Who pays what is negotiable and set in your contract.
  3. 03Mortgage payoffYour remaining loan balance plus interest through the payoff date, along with any home equity line.
  4. 04Property tax prorationMissouri property taxes are paid at the end of the year, so at closing the seller usually credits the buyer for the part of the year the seller owned the home.
  5. 05Repairs after inspectionBuyers often ask for repairs or a credit after their inspection. A pre-listing inspection can help you plan for this.
  6. 06Seller concessionsCredits toward the buyer's closing costs or a rate buydown. Common when buyers have more choices.
  7. 07Municipal inspectionsMany St. Louis County municipalities, and Housing Conservation Districts in St. Louis City, require an occupancy inspection before a sale closes. Fees and any required fixes vary by city.
  8. 08HOA and holding costsHOA statement fees, plus mortgage, utilities, insurance and upkeep while the home is for sale.

Good news

Costs Missouri sellers often don't have.

  1. No state transfer taxMissouri doesn't charge a real estate transfer tax, unlike many states.
  2. Possible federal tax exclusionIf you've owned and lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years, federal law may exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). Ask your tax professional.

Common questions

How much does it cost to sell a house in Missouri?

It depends on your commission agreement, mortgage payoff, repairs, concessions and local requirements. The most reliable answer is a net sheet built on your actual numbers, which shows each cost before you list.

Does Missouri have a real estate transfer tax?

No. Missouri doesn't impose a real estate transfer tax. Recording fees for documents are small by comparison.

Who pays for title insurance in St. Louis?

In many St. Louis area sales the seller pays for the owner's title policy, but it's negotiable and set by your sale contract. Your title company can confirm the cost for your price.

Do I need an occupancy inspection to sell in St. Louis County?

Many St. Louis County municipalities do, and so do Housing Conservation Districts in St. Louis City. Check with your city early, because any required repairs can affect your timeline.

Stephanie Muhlenfeld

Stephanie Muhlenfeld, PMP, REALTOR®St. Louis REALTOR® with LPT Realty

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General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Stephanie Muhlenfeld, LPT Realty, LLC. Missouri license 2026031155. If your property is currently listed with another broker, this is not a solicitation.