Know exactly what you'll walk away with.
A precise net proceeds calculator built for Columbus, Ohio — with accurate Franklin County conveyance fees, prorated taxes, and the real closing costs sellers actually pay in our market.
Your Sale
Estimated Net Proceeds
Want a precise net sheet for your property?
This calculator gives you a strong estimate. For an exact figure based on your specific home, current market conditions, and a custom strategy to maximize your net — let's talk.
What sellers actually pay at closing in Columbus, Ohio.
If you've ever wondered why the offer price isn't the check you take home — this is the answer. Selling a home in Columbus involves a stack of customary costs, and understanding them in advance is the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful surprise.
Here's what's built into the calculator above, and why each line matters:
Real Estate Commissions
Commission rates in Central Ohio are negotiable and not set by law. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, listing and buyer-side commissions are negotiated separately and disclosed transparently. A common structure in Columbus today ranges from 5% to 6% combined, but the right number depends on your property, market positioning, and marketing investment.
Ohio & Franklin County Conveyance Fees
Ohio charges a state conveyance fee of $1.00 per $1,000 of sale price. Franklin County adds a permissive fee of $3.00 per $1,000 — making the combined transfer tax $4.00 per $1,000, or 0.4% of your sale price. On a $425,000 sale, that's $1,700.
Title Insurance
In Central Ohio, the seller customarily pays for the owner's title insurance policy that protects the buyer. Premiums are regulated and based on a sliding scale tied to sale price — typically 0.4% to 0.6% of the purchase price.
Prorated Property Taxes
Ohio property taxes are paid in arrears — meaning when you pay your January and June bills, you're paying for the prior period. At closing, sellers credit the buyer for the days of taxes accrued during their ownership but not yet billed. The closing month dramatically affects this number.
Escrow, Recording, and Miscellaneous
The title company charges a closing/escrow fee for handling the transaction. There are also recording fees paid to the Franklin County Recorder, courier fees, and sometimes a small overnight or wire fee. These are typically modest — a few hundred dollars combined.
Columbus seller closing-cost FAQ
What are typical closing costs for a home seller in Columbus, Ohio?
Sellers in Columbus typically pay 7%–9% of the sale price in total closing costs, including commissions. On a $425,000 home, that's roughly $30,000 to $38,000 — but the largest portion is the commission paid to both agents. Non-commission closing costs alone usually run 1%–2% of sale price.
How is the Ohio conveyance fee calculated?
The Ohio state conveyance fee is $1.00 per $1,000 of sale price. Franklin County adds a permissive fee of $3.00 per $1,000, for a combined rate of $4.00 per $1,000 — which equals 0.4% of the sale price. The seller pays this at closing.
Who pays title insurance in Central Ohio?
Custom in Franklin County is for the seller to pay the owner's title insurance policy (which protects the buyer). The buyer pays for the lender's policy if they're financing. Title insurance premiums in Ohio are regulated and based on the sale price.
How are property taxes prorated at closing?
Ohio taxes are paid in arrears, so sellers owe the buyer a credit for taxes that have accrued during the seller's ownership but haven't been billed yet. The amount depends on the closing date and your specific tax bill. Your title company calculates this precisely on the settlement statement.
Are real estate commissions negotiable?
Yes — commissions in Ohio are always negotiable and never set by law or association rules. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, listing-side and buyer-side commissions are negotiated and disclosed separately. The right rate depends on your property, your goals, and the level of marketing and service you're paying for.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses Franklin County, Ohio standards and customary Columbus-area closing costs to produce a strong estimate — typically within 1%–2% of your actual settlement statement. For an exact net sheet tied to your specific property, mortgage payoff statement, and market conditions, request a custom net sheet from Joseph directly.
