The True Cost of Selling a House in Wilmington (And How to Avoid It)
Selling a house can be far more expensive than many homeowners expect. Beyond the obvious costs — like agent commissions and closing fees — there are often additional expenses that quietly add up, including repairs, staging, marketing, and months of ongoing holding costs.
For homeowners in Wilmington who want clarity and control, there’s another option.
At Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, we help homeowners sell in the way that best fits their goals. That may be a guaranteed cash offer for a fast, as-is sale, or it may be a more traditional listing if maximizing price makes sense. The key difference is that you understand the true costs of each option before deciding.
Below is a breakdown of the most common costs involved in selling a house — and how selling directly can help you avoid many of them.
Commissions and Closing Costs
In a traditional sale, sellers typically pay 5–6% in real estate commissions, plus closing costs such as title insurance, escrow fees, and other transaction expenses.
On a $350,000 home, commissions alone can exceed $20,000, before factoring in closing costs. These expenses reduce your net proceeds and often come as a surprise late in the process.
When you sell directly to Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential for cash:
- There are no agent commissions
- We cover standard closing costs
- There are no hidden fees
You’ll know exactly how much cash you’ll receive upfront, making it easier to plan your next move.
Repairs and Renovations
Preparing a home for the open market often means making repairs or updates to attract buyers. From roof issues and HVAC repairs to cosmetic updates in kitchens or bathrooms, these costs can add up quickly — especially when you’re spending money on a property you’re trying to leave behind.
Many homeowners struggle with how much to invest versus how much they’ll actually recover at sale.
When you sell to Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, repairs aren’t required. We buy houses as-is, regardless of condition. Whether your home needs minor updates or major work, we factor that into our offer so you don’t have to spend additional money or time fixing it.
Marketing, Staging, and Showings
Traditional listings often involve:
- Professional photography
- Online marketing and advertising
- Staging services
- Open houses and repeated showings
- Keeping the home clean and “show-ready”
These steps can be costly and disruptive, especially if the house sits on the market longer than expected.
Selling directly to Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential eliminates this entirely. There’s no need for staging, marketing, cleaning, or showings. We make a direct cash offer, allowing you to move forward without the ongoing inconvenience of preparing your home for buyers.
The Value of Having Options
Selling directly isn’t the right solution for every homeowner — and we’re upfront about that.
That’s why Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential offers options, not ultimatums:
- A guaranteed cash offer for speed, certainty, and simplicity
- A guaranteed sale option if listing traditionally makes more sense
- Or honest guidance if selling right now isn’t the best move
Understanding the real costs of selling allows you to choose the path that protects your time, money, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house in Wilmington doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
By selling directly to Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, many homeowners avoid:
- Commission and closing costs
- Repair and renovation expenses
- Marketing and staging fees
- Prolonged uncertainty and stress
If you’re considering selling your house and want to understand your true options, we’re happy to talk it through.
📞 (910) 239-SOLD (7653)
No pressure. No obligation. Just clear information to help you move forward with confidence.