If you’re thinking about selling your home in Cave Creek, Carefree, or North Scottsdale, you’ve probably wondered about the actual cost to sell your home. While commission usually gets the most attention, there are several other expenses that can impact your bottom line — things like home prep, staging, escrow, and title fees.

This guide walks through what those costs can look like for sellers in Cave Creek and the surrounding desert communities. It also includes an example for a $1M sale to help you plan ahead and move forward confidently.

Real Estate Commission

Estimated range: In Arizona, the total commission paid to sell a home averages about 5.26%, with an average of 2.66% paid to the listing broker and 2.6% to the buyer’s broker. These figures come from statewide averages and can vary depending on your home’s price, the services included, and your listing agreement. All commissions are negotiable and not set by law or association.

Commission is one of the biggest parts of the cost to sell a home in Cave Creek, but also now more flexible. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, sellers and buyers now negotiate separate agreements for compensation, which adds more transparency and choice to the process.

When you’re interviewing agents, ask exactly what’s included in their service. A strong marketing plan, high-quality photography, and a thoughtful pricing strategy can often make a noticeable difference in your final sale price.

If you’re preparing to sell, take a look at my Seller Guide for practical advice on how to prepare, market, and sell your home with confidence.

Seller Closing Costs

Estimated cost: Around $5,000 to $15,000 on a $1M home

Another piece of the cost to sell a home in Cave Creek is closing costs. In Arizona, sellers are often responsible for title insurance, escrow fees, and sometimes HOA transfers. While buyers cover their loan-related costs, sellers pay their share of the transaction fees. Again, remember that all of these costs are negotiable terms.

Common seller closing costs include:

• Title insurance (about $3,500 on a $1M sale)
• Escrow fee ($900–$1,200)
• HOA transfer and disclosure fees ($300–$500)
• Optional home warranty ($600–$800)
• Recording and notary fees (around $200)
• Prorated property taxes (approximately $900)

Home Prep and Repairs

Estimated cost: From $0 to $15,000 or more

Getting your home market-ready can range from small touch-ups to larger projects, depending on your goals and property. Many Cave Creek and Carefree sellers invest in:

• Fresh paint or landscaping updates
• Deep cleaning and window washing
• Light repairs or cosmetic updates
• Professional staging or styling
• Optional pre-listing inspection

Homes in these areas often sit on larger lots, which can increase landscaping and cleanup costs.

It’s also important to know that in Arizona, if your home has a septic system, you’ll need to have it inspected and pumped before closing. This is a legal requirement and can costs between $1,000 and $3,000.

Home Staging

Estimated cost: From $1,000 to $15,000+

While staging isn’t required, it can be a smart investment. Staged homes often photograph better, draw more online attention, and sell faster. Costs depend on the home’s size and whether furniture rental is needed.

Partial or “occupied” staging can be a great option for sellers in North Scottsdale or Carefree who want their home to look its best without a complete redesign. Working with an experienced local stager can help highlight what makes your home special.

Buyer Concessions

Estimated cost: 0% to 2% of the purchase price

Sometimes buyers ask sellers to contribute toward their closing costs. These “seller concessions” are negotiated during the offer process. They’re never required but can help bridge the gap in certain markets.

A good agent will help you evaluate when it makes sense to consider concessions and when it’s better to hold firm.

Taxes and Capital Gains

Estimated cost: Varies

If your home has appreciated significantly or it’s an investment property, you might owe taxes when you sell. Many primary homeowners qualify for a capital gains exclusion if they’ve lived in the home for at least two of the past five years.

It’s always smart to talk with a CPA or tax advisor early on to understand your specific situation.

Real Example: Estimated Costs to Sell a $1M Home in Cave Creek, AZ

To put all of this into perspective, here’s a real example of what the cost to sell a home in Cave Creek can look like. This breakdown comes from a seller net sheet for a $1,000,000 home with no mortgage balance. This is for sample purposes only – actual costs vary based on property condition, HOA, and location.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (Sample)
Listing Broker Compensation (Negotiable)	$30,000
Buyer Broker Compensation (Negotiable)	$30,000
Title Insurance (Owner’s Policy)	$3,535
Escrow Fee	$985
Home Warranty	$700
HOA Transfer & Disclosure Fees	$400
Notary & Recording Fees	$213
Misc. Escrow & Administrative Fees	$200
Prorated Property Taxes	$917
Estimated Total Closing Costs	$66,950
Approx. Net Proceeds (no mortgage balance or tax implications)	$933,050

These numbers show a realistic example for a conventional Cave Creek home sale. If there’s an existing mortgage, tax implications, or negotiated credits, the final proceeds will shift accordingly.

Homes in Cave Creek, Carefree, and North Scottsdale can vary widely, so your numbers may look different based on your property’s size, upgrades, and HOA.

Your Seller Net Sheet: What You’ll Walk Away With

Once all costs are added up, your “net” is what you’ll actually take home after closing. Reviewing that number early helps you plan your next move with clarity.

If you’re working with a real estate professional, be sure to ask them for a custom net sheet before listing. It’s one of the simplest and most helpful ways to understand the real cost to sell a home in Cave Creek — and what you can expect when you close so there are no surprises!

Final Thoughts
Selling a home in Cave Creek, Carefree, or North Scottsdale doesn’t have to feel complicated. When you know what to expect and work with someone who knows the local market, you can move forward with confidence.

Already thinking about listing? Contact me to Schedule a Call or Request Your Net Sheet.