Money & timelines
What closing costs do sellers pay in Georgia?
See common seller expenses, Georgia transfer tax and a worked net-proceeds example. Learn which costs depend on the contract and your mortgage payoff.
The short answer
A Georgia seller’s deductions can include the mortgage payoff, agreed brokerage compensation, transfer tax, attorney or settlement charges, tax prorations, lien payoffs and negotiated buyer credits. There is no single percentage that correctly describes every seller’s costs.
The sale price is only the starting number. To plan your next move, ask for a written estimate of the money you will receive after all deductions. Keep the mortgage payoff separate from transaction fees so you can see what is paying off existing debt and what it costs to sell.
Start with five categories
Your closing statement will reflect your transaction and contract. Mortgage-related closing disclosures illustrate many common categories, but a cash transaction may use a different settlement form. Ask the closing attorney to walk you through your own statement.
| Category | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Existing debt | Mortgage payoff through the expected closing date, other liens and release charges |
| Professional fees | Attorney and settlement charges, plus any agreed brokerage compensation |
| Taxes and property charges | Transfer tax, property-tax prorations and applicable association balances |
| Buyer concessions | Agreed closing credits or repair credits |
| Other adjustments | Contract-specific charges, prorations or possession arrangements |
Sources: CFPB: closing disclosure transaction and cost categories
How Georgia transfer tax works
Georgia’s published transfer-tax rate is $1 on the first $1,000 of taxable value, or a fraction of it, plus 10 cents for each additional $100, or fraction. A transaction with exactly $300,000 of taxable value would produce $300 of transfer tax.
The Georgia Department of Revenue says the seller is liable for the tax, while the purchase agreement can require the buyer to pay it. Exemptions and the taxable basis can affect the calculation. Ask the closing attorney to confirm the amount rather than applying a rough percentage to every transfer.
Sources: Georgia Department of Revenue: real estate transfer tax
A $300,000 sale does not mean $300,000 in proceeds
Here is an invented example to show the arithmetic. It is not a quote, a market average or a MaxDividend fee schedule. Every line must be replaced with the figures for your property.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contract sale price | $300,000 |
| Mortgage payoff | -$185,000 |
| Negotiated brokerage compensation, if applicable | -$12,000 |
| Attorney and other settlement charges | -$2,000 |
| Transfer tax, assuming $300,000 taxable value | -$300 |
| Property-tax and association adjustments | -$1,700 |
| Negotiated buyer credit | -$4,000 |
| Illustrative net proceeds | $95,000 |
This example does not include possible income taxes, moving costs, other liens or costs paid before closing. The $12,000 compensation amount is hypothetical; brokerage compensation is negotiable.
A cash sale can still have closing costs
Removing a buyer’s mortgage does not remove the seller’s existing mortgage or every transaction charge. When a buyer says they cover closing costs, ask exactly which charges that includes. It may not include your mortgage payoff, liens, unpaid taxes, negotiated credits or other personal obligations.
Brokerage compensation is negotiable, not a fixed legal rate. If you have already signed a listing or representation agreement, have it reviewed before assuming a direct sale eliminates a payment obligation.
Sources: National Association of REALTORS®: compensation, commission and concessions
How fees work with a MaxDividend offer
MAX DIVIDEND HOLDINGS LLC purchases your home directly. MaxDividend charges no seller fees: sale transaction fees are accounted for in the offer, rather than added as separate charges later.
Our offer is the purchase price, not the cash remaining after your existing debts are paid. Mortgage and lien payoffs are paid from the sale proceeds. For example, a $250,000 purchase price with $150,000 in debt payoffs leaves $100,000 before any other existing obligations. Ask for a written proceeds statement showing those amounts. The online conditional offer remains subject to property review and final approval.
Ask for an estimate, then check the final statement
Request a seller net sheet when comparing offers. Update it when the price, closing date or concessions change. Near closing, compare the actual settlement statement with the estimate and resolve unexpected charges before signing.
For the payoff, a regular account balance may not be enough. Ask the servicer or closing attorney for the applicable payoff information and the date through which it is valid. Keep separate money available for moving and the next place you will live.
Common questions
Does the seller always pay every closing cost?
No. Some responsibilities arise under law, and many transaction charges are allocated through the contract. Get an itemized statement showing which party pays each amount.
Is the mortgage payoff a closing fee?
It is repayment of existing debt, rather than a fee for the sale. It still reduces what you receive, so include it in a proceeds estimate.
Will MaxDividend pay all my closing costs?
MaxDividend includes sale transaction fees in the purchase price offered and does not add separate seller fees. Existing debts, including mortgage and lien payoffs, are paid from the sale proceeds. Your offer is the purchase price; your proceeds statement shows the cash left after those obligations.
Sources & context
Sources checked September 26, 2026. This guide provides general information, not advice for your specific legal, tax or financing situation. Examples are hypothetical. Company purchase and loan terms must be confirmed in writing.
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