Selling a home is about more than agreeing on a sales price. There are costs involved in getting your home ready, completing the transaction, and ultimately determining how much you will walk away with.
If you have owned your Santa Fe home for many years, you may have built significant equity. That is exciting—but it is important to understand what expenses may come out of your proceeds before you make your next move.
What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Santa Fe?
Every sale is different, but sellers may encounter several types of expenses, including:
- Real estate brokerage compensation
- Title and closing fees
- County recording fees and other closing-related charges
- Prorated property taxes
- HOA transfer fees, when applicable
- Repairs, landscaping, staging, and other preparation
- Potential capital gains taxes
Real Estate Commissions Are Negotiable
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that there is a standard commission everyone pays. There isn’t.
Real estate compensation is negotiable and should be discussed between you and your broker. Offers of buyer-broker compensation are no longer communicated through the MLS, so sellers should have a clear understanding of their options and how compensation will be handled as part of their overall selling strategy.
My job isn’t simply to put a sign in the yard. It’s to help you understand your options, create a thoughtful marketing strategy, negotiate on your behalf, and help you make decisions that protect your bottom line.
Don’t Forget About Capital Gains
This is especially important for longtime Santa Fe homeowners.
If you purchased your home many years ago, your gain may be substantial. Depending on your circumstances, some or all of that gain may qualify for a federal primary-residence exclusion, but everyone’s tax situation is different.
I always recommend speaking with your tax professional before selling so you understand what may apply to you. This is one area where planning ahead can make a big difference.
Preparing Your Santa Fe Home for Sale
First impressions matter—especially in Santa Fe.
Whether you’re selling an adobe on the Historic Eastside, a home near Canyon Road, a property in South Capitol, or a home farther out from town, buyers notice the details.
Sometimes the best investment isn’t a major renovation. It may simply be fresh landscaping, thoughtful decluttering, or taking care of a few repairs before going on the market.
The goal is not to spend money just for the sake of spending it. Every preparation decision should have a purpose.
What Will You Actually Walk Away With?
That’s the question I want every seller to be able to answer before putting their home on the market.
Your net proceeds depend on your sale price, mortgage payoff, negotiated brokerage compensation, closing expenses, taxes, concessions, and any preparation costs.
Rather than giving you a generic estimate, I believe in sitting down with my sellers and looking at their actual numbers so there are no surprises at closing.
Selling a Santa Fe Home Is Personal
For many of my clients, selling isn’t simply a real estate transaction. It’s leaving a home where children were raised, memories were made, and years of life were lived.
As a Santa Fe native and Certified Santa Fe Specialist, I understand that connection. I also understand the importance of being realistic about the market, pricing correctly, preparing your home thoughtfully, and knowing exactly what you can expect to net.
If you’re thinking about selling your Santa Fe home, let’s have a conversation before you make any decisions. I’ll help you understand the process, the potential costs, and what your next move could look like.
Lori Montoya, Associate Broker
Barker Realty
Honest. Local. Personal. The way real estate should be!