Question 1

What closing costs does a seller usually pay in Southwest Florida?

Accepted Answer

Common seller costs include Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed, mortgage payoff, prorated property taxes, broker compensation if applicable, owner's title insurance (per county custom), settlement fees, municipal lien search, recording fees, and HOA or condo estoppel fees when applicable.

Question 2

How are Florida property taxes prorated at closing?

Accepted Answer

Florida property taxes are commonly prorated on the calendar year. The seller typically credits the buyer for the portion of the year the seller owned the property — annual tax ÷ 365 × number of days. Exact treatment depends on contract, exemptions, and closing date.

Question 3

What is documentary stamp tax on the deed?

Accepted Answer

Florida's documentary stamp tax on the deed is a transfer tax. In Southwest Florida counties, it's generally $0.70 per $100 of sale price (0.7%). The calculator handles this automatically.

Question 4

Are real estate commissions negotiable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Broker compensation is negotiable and set in the listing agreement. What the seller offers a buyer's broker, if anything, is also negotiable per contract.

Question 5

Is the seller net sheet a final closing statement?

Accepted Answer

No. It's an estimate to help you plan. The official closing statement is prepared by the title company or closing attorney and reflects final agreed-upon contract terms, payoffs, prorations, and credits.

Question 6

How accurate is this seller net sheet estimate?

Accepted Answer

It's only as accurate as the numbers entered and assumptions used. Use it to plan; confirm final figures with a licensed title company, attorney, lender, or CPA before making decisions.

Estimate What You May Walk Away With When Selling in Southwest Florida

SWFL Seller Net Sheet FAQs