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The True Cost of Selling a House in Spokane: Fees, Repairs & Hidden Expenses

  • Writer: Nick Briggs
    Nick Briggs
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read
Cost of selling a house Spokane – seller cost breakdown graphic

What Does It Really Cost to Sell a House in Spokane?

When Spokane homeowners ask, “How much does it actually cost to sell a home?”, they often think only about the real estate agent’s commission (if applicable). But that’s just the beginning. Between closing costs, staging, repairs, buyer credits, and moving expenses, the true cost of selling a house in Spokane can be a lot higher than expected.

That’s why I’ve written this comprehensive guide—to break down every cost step-by-step, using real Spokane data from 2025. As a local Spokane real estate agent, I help sellers navigate these numbers every day.


📊 Spokane Real Estate Snapshot – 2025

Before estimating costs, it's helpful to understand the current Spokane market. Here’s where things stand:

  • Median Sold Price (May 2025): $409,925 (↑ 3.8% YoY)

  • Spokane County Median (June 2025): $433,992 (↑ 2.7% YoY)

  • Average Home Value (Zillow, 2025): $393,670

  • Average Days on Market (Aug 2025): ~26 days

  • Total Active Listings (Aug 2025): Over 1,500

Line chart illustrating Spokane housing price trends over the past 5 years (2020–2025), highlighting annual increases in median home prices and local real estate market growth.

📍 Spokane Housing Market Update


1. Real Estate Agent Fees (Commission)

Typical Cost: 3% to 6% of the sale price

In Spokane, agent commissions usually fall between 0%–6% of the sale price, split between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent if you choose to pay them. While this fee is negotiable and not mandatory, it typically represents your largest single selling cost.


2. Closing Costs for Sellers in Spokane

Typical Cost: 1% to 4% of sale price

Here’s what’s often included in seller closing costs in Spokane:

  • Washington State Excise Tax (REET): Often ~1.10%

  • Title insurance

  • Escrow and settlement fees

  • Recording fees

  • Prorated property taxes

  • HOA transfer fees (if applicable)

Estimated Total Closing Costs (Excluding Agent Fees):On a $400,000 home, you might spend $12,000–$16,000 on closing costs alone.


3. Pre-Listing Repairs & Inspections

Typical Cost: $5,000–$15,000+

Buyers will almost always request repairs after the inspection—or ask for a credit. To avoid surprises, many sellers invest in a pre-listing inspection to find issues before listing. Common expenses include:

  • Roof repair or replacement

  • HVAC servicing

  • Plumbing or electrical fixes

  • Paint, flooring, and cosmetic updates

Prioritize high-ROI repairs that help pass inspection and boost appeal.

📍 Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Spokane Home


4. Staging, Photography & Marketing

Typical Cost: $500–$3,000

Professional staging and photography are proven to sell homes faster and for more money. Even partial staging—just the living room and kitchen—can make a huge impact.

What’s worth the investment:

  • Furniture rental or professional staging

  • Deep cleaning and decluttering

  • Pro photography and virtual tours


5. Holding or Carrying Costs

Typical Cost: $1,000–$2,000/month

If your home sits on the market, costs stack up:

  • Mortgage interest

  • Property taxes

  • Utilities

  • Lawn or snow services

  • HOA dues (if any)

While Spokane homes are still moving in under 30 days, pricing too high or skipping staging can drag out your sale—and your bills.


6. Buyer Concessions or Credits

Typical Cost: $1,000–$5,000+

Spokane buyers often ask for:

  • Closing cost credits

  • Home warranty

  • Repair credits (post-inspection)

  • Interest rate buy-downs

You can negotiate these costs, but it’s smart to budget a few thousand dollars in case concessions become part of the deal.


7. Moving & Final Clean-Out Costs

Typical Cost: $500–$2,500

Don't forget the finish line! Final expenses might include:

  • Movers or rental truck

  • Storage unit

  • Junk removal

  • Carpet or deep cleaning

  • Utility final bills

  • HOA or city transfer fees

These costs vary based on size of home, distance, and timeline.


💰 Example: Total Cost Breakdown on $400,000 Spokane Home

Category

Estimated Cost

Agent Commission (5%)

$20,000

Closing Costs

$14,000

Repairs & Prep

$8,000

Staging & Marketing

$2,000

Holding Costs (1 month)

$1,500

Buyer Concessions

$3,000

Moving & Final Prep

$2,000

Total Estimated Cost

$50,500 (~12.6%)

Pie chart showing the estimated cost breakdown of selling a $400,000 home in Spokane, WA in 2025, including agent commission, closing costs, repairs, staging, holding costs, buyer concessions, and moving expenses, with Nick Briggs Real Estate logo in the corner.

📍 How to Boost Your Net Profit When Selling Your Spokane Home


8. How to Reduce the Cost of Selling a House in Spokane

Here are some tips Spokane sellers are using in 2025 to keep more money in their pockets:

  • Hire an experienced Spokane real estate agent (like me) to price, prep, and market effectively

  • Use pre-listing inspections to avoid surprise repair credits

  • Stage strategically, not extravagantly

  • Bundle services (moving, cleaning, etc.)

  • Negotiate concessions wisely

  • List at the right time (Spring/Summer often sees stronger buyer activity)

  • Monitor Spokane market data to price accurately


FAQs About the Cost of Selling a House in Spokane

  • What is the average cost of selling a house in Spokane in 2025? On average, sellers in Spokane spend between 8%–12% of their home’s sale price on total selling costs, including commission, closing costs, and repairs.

  • How much are seller closing costs in Spokane? Closing costs (excluding agent commission) typically run 1% to 4% in Spokane, depending on the home’s price and your specific situation.

  • What repairs should I make before selling my Spokane home? Prioritize repairs with high buyer impact: roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and visible cosmetic flaws like worn paint or damaged flooring.

  • Can I lower my costs by selling FSBO in Spokane? While FSBO may save on agent commission, it often results in lower sale prices and longer time on market. Be sure to weigh the risks—and consider hybrid or flat-fee agent models.

  • How fast are homes selling in Spokane this year? In 2025, Spokane homes are averaging about 26 days on market, which is slightly faster than last year. The quicker your home sells, the lower your holding costs.


Ready to Sell Your Spokane Home? Let's Talk Strategy.

If you’re thinking about selling your home and want an accurate cost breakdown, let’s connect. As a local Spokane real estate agent, I’ll walk you through every number and create a plan to maximize your net profit—without surprises.





About Me

My name is Nick Briggs

Being born and raised in Spokane I grew up knowing what a special place this city is, and it was my dream to help others create a life in this wonderful community by guiding them in real estate. I spent many years in the customer service industry, the experience of listening and communication showed me how much I truly loved helping people. I attended Gonzaga University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration to add to my knowledge of guiding, managing, negotiating, and listening to individuals, helping them achieve their real estate goals.



Spokane Realtor headshot – cost of selling a house Spokane expert

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