The True Cost of Selling Your Dumfries, Prince William County Property

by Saad Jamil

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Dumfries, let’s talk honestly. Most sellers picture the sales price, subtract the mortgage, and assume that’s what they’ll pocket. The reality? Selling comes with a handful of costs that can cut deep into your profit if you don’t plan ahead.

The good news: once you understand where your money goes, you can make smarter choices—and keep more of your hard-earned equity. That’s exactly what I’ll walk you through in this guide.

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The First Thing Sellers Ask: “Where Does All My Money Go?”

When you sell in Dumfries, you’re not just passing the keys to a buyer and cashing a check. You’ve got fees, commissions, repairs, and closing costs to deal with. These can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Here’s the truth: the biggest expense when selling is the real estate commission.

The Real Cost of Commissions

In Prince William County, it’s standard for sellers to pay 5–6% of the sale price in commissions. Let’s break that down: On a $600,000 home, 6% is $36,000. On a $700,000 home, it’s $42,000. That money doesn’t come out of thin air—it comes directly out of your equity, the wealth you’ve built in your home. Now, here’s the part that stings for most sellers: paying 6% doesn’t mean you’re getting more service.

It just means you’re handing over more money. That’s why our 1.5% full-service listing program exists. Instead of $36,000 on a $600,000 sale, you’d only pay $9,000. That’s $27,000 more in your pocket, while still getting professional photos, full MLS exposure, online and local marketing, and expert negotiation.

Other Costs You Should Plan For

Commissions may be the biggest bite, but they’re not the only expense. Here’s what you’ll likely face when selling a Dumfries property:

1. Repairs and Touch-Ups. Even if your home is in good shape, buyers want “move-in ready.” Small updates like fresh paint, landscaping, or fixing a leaky faucet can run $1,000–$5,000. If your home needs bigger updates—say, replacing carpet or upgrading appliances—it can be higher.

The upside? Dumfries homes are moving quickly. The average home here sells in under two weeks, which means you don’t need to spend thousands on staging if you price and market correctly.

2. Closing Costs. Sellers in Virginia typically pay 1–3% of the home’s price in closing costs. This covers things like title fees, transfer taxes, and attorney services. On a $600,000 home, that’s about $6,000–$18,000.

3. Buyer Concessions. After inspections, buyers often ask for credits or repairs. Even small items add up—think $2,000–$10,000. In competitive neighborhoods like Montclair, Brittany, or Southbridge, buyers are picky. They’ll use inspections to negotiate, so be ready.

4. HOA Fees and Taxes. Many Dumfries neighborhoods have HOAs. That means you’ll owe prorated HOA fees and possibly a transfer fee. Don’t forget prorated property taxes, which also get settled at closing.

Common Selling Costs:

  • Repairs: $1,000–$5,000+
  • Closing costs: 1–3%
  • Concessions: $2,000–$10,000
  • HOA/taxes: Prorated amounts

What You’ll Actually Walk Away With

Let’s do the math on a $600,000 Dumfries home:

Traditional 6% Commission Sale:

  • Sale Price: $600,000
  • Minus Commission (6%): $36,000
  • Minus Closing + Repairs + Concessions: ~$10,000
  • Net Before Mortgage Payoff: $554,000

With Our 1.5% Program:

  • Sale Price: $600,000
  • Minus Commission (1.5%): $9,000
  • Minus Closing + Repairs + Concessions: ~$10,000
  • Net Before Mortgage Payoff: $581,000

That’s $27,000 more for you, just by choosing a smarter commission plan.

Net Proceeds Comparison on $600k Home

Scenario Total Costs Net Before Mortgage
Traditional 6% $46,000 $554,000
1.5% Program $19,000 $581,000

*Assumes $10,000 in other costs; actual varies.

Why Dumfries Sellers Are Re-Thinking the “Standard”

The Dumfries market is competitive. With homes selling quickly and buyers actively searching in Prince William County, you don’t need to overpay an agent just to get results. Traditional agents charge 6% because that’s “how it’s always been.” But homeowners are waking up. They realize full service doesn’t have to mean full price.

Our 1.5% full-service listing program is built for today’s market: Local Expertise: We know Dumfries neighborhoods like Montclair, Brittany, and Southbridge. Full Marketing: Professional photos, online syndication, social media, and open houses. Negotiation Power: You get a strong advocate at the table. Big Savings: Keep thousands more of your equity.

Program Benefits:

  • Local expertise
  • Full marketing
  • Negotiation power
  • Big savings

Selling your property will always come with costs—repairs, closing fees, maybe a buyer concession or two. But the one cost you can control is the listing commission. You don’t need to hand over $30,000–$40,000 in commissions to sell your Dumfries home. With our 1.5% full-service listing program, you keep more of your equity where it belongs: in your pocket.

Key Takeaways:

  • Control listing commission
  • Keep more equity
  • Full service without high fees

Thinking about Selling?

Let’s talk. I’ll show you exactly how much you could save and what your

true net proceeds will look like in today’s Dumfries market with our 1.5% full-service listing program.

Call Today: (703) 375-9583

Learn More About Our 1.5% Listing Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in your 1.5% listing program?
Everything you’d expect from a “full-price” listing: professional photos, MLS listing, online and social media marketing, open houses, signage, negotiations, and contract-to-closing support. Nothing is cut out—just the bloated fee.
Do I still need to pay the buyer’s agent commission?
Yes. In most cases, sellers offer 2.5–3% to the buyer’s agent. Our program lowers your side of the fee (the listing agent’s side) from 3% down to 1.5%. That’s where the big savings happen.
Will my home sell for less if I don’t pay 6%?
Not at all. Your sale price depends on marketing, exposure, and negotiation—not the percentage you pay. We use the same tools and strategies as traditional agents, so your home sells for top dollar.
What if my home doesn’t sell?
No upfront costs. If your home doesn’t sell, you don’t owe a commission. Period.
Is this program only for Dumfries?
No—we serve all of Prince William County and beyond. But Dumfries homeowners especially benefit because the area’s median prices are higher, which means the savings on commission are even bigger.

"1.5% listing service" refers to the listing-side brokerage fee only; any seller-offered buyer-broker compensation (if any), brokerage/admin fees, and all third-party charges (title/lender/HOA/recording, inspections, warranties, etc.) are separate. Minimums and exclusions may apply; see the listing agreement and the Important Information & Disclosures.

Important Information & Disclosures

Last updated: September 19, 2025

Content on this page is provided for general educational purposes for homeowners in Fairfax County, Virginia and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Consult your attorney, CPA, lender, and title company for advice specific to your situation.

Estimates Only: Cost figures reflect common scenarios as of August 2025 and may change without notice due to market conditions and third-party fees (title insurance, lender charges, HOA/condo, transfer/recording, inspections, warranties, etc.). No guarantee is made regarding your net proceeds or savings.

Brokerage Compensation & 1.5% Listing Service: Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable. The "1.5% listing service" refers solely to the listing-side brokerage fee. Any seller-offered buyer-broker compensation (if any), brokerage/admin fees, and all third-party charges are separate. Minimum fees and program exclusions may apply; full details are provided in the written listing agreement.

Accuracy & Corrections: Information is provided "as-is" and, while believed accurate, may contain errors or omissions. If you see an error, please contact us for prompt correction.

No Agency Created: Viewing this page, contacting us, or submitting a form does not create an agency relationship. Representation begins only upon mutual execution of a written agreement.

Fair Housing: We conduct business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Advertising: Advertising is provided by Samson Properties, main office Chantilly, VA. Team: The Jamil Brothers Realty Group.

Not a Solicitation: Not intended to solicit homeowners currently under an exclusive representation agreement with another broker.

Where market statistics or MLS data are referenced, they are deemed reliable but not guaranteed; availability and terms are subject to change.

 

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