Most sellers in Hampton Roads focus on the offer price — and miss the line items between 'accepted offer' and 'final check.' Closing costs for sellers in Virginia are real, they add up, and knowing them before you list means no surprises on closing day.
The short answer: beyond real estate commission (covered separately), Virginia sellers pay a handful of required fees that typically total 1% to 2% of the sale price on their own. Combined with commission, total seller-side costs in Hampton Roads run 6–9%.
Required Closing Costs for Virginia Sellers
Virginia Grantor's Tax
This is the state's share of the transaction. Virginia charges the seller $0.50 per $500 of the sale price. On a $375,000 home, that's $375. It's modest, but it's required. (Note: if you're selling in Northern Virginia, the rate doubles — but Hampton Roads sellers pay the standard rate.)
City/County Transfer Tax
Some Hampton Roads cities add a local transfer tax. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and other cities in the region typically share the deed recordation tax with the buyer. Budget approximately $200–$500 for the seller's portion of recordation fees depending on city and sale price.
Settlement Fee (Title Company)
The settlement agent (title company) conducts the closing, prepares the settlement statement, and disburses funds to all parties. In Hampton Roads, settlement fees typically run $350–$600 for the seller. Virginia is not an attorney-required state — title companies handle the majority of residential closings.
Deed Preparation
The title company or an attorney prepares the deed that transfers ownership to the buyer. Cost: typically $100–$250.
Mortgage Payoff Fees
If you have a mortgage on the property, your lender will charge a payoff statement fee (typically $25–$50) and a reconveyance fee to release the lien (~$50–$150). You'll also owe a daily per-diem interest rate from your last payment date to closing.
Prorated Property Taxes
You owe property taxes for every day you owned the home in the current tax year. The buyer receives a credit at closing for your portion. In Virginia Beach, the tax rate is $1.012 per $100 of assessed value. On a $375,000 home, that's roughly $3,795/year — about $10.40 per day. If you close in April, expect to credit the buyer for roughly $1,000–$1,300 in prorated taxes.
Optional Costs That Often Come Up
Repair credits or concessions. After the home inspection, buyers often request repairs or a credit. This is fully negotiable, but budgeting 0–2% for credits is prudent on older homes.
Home warranty. Many sellers offer a one-year home warranty ($400–$700) to give buyers confidence and reduce post-closing disputes. Not required, but common in Hampton Roads.
Staging or pre-listing repairs. Not a closing cost, but worth factoring into your net. A $2,000 paint job and carpet cleaning often returns several times that in final sale price.
What Your Net Proceeds Will Look Like
On a $400,000 Hampton Roads home sale, here's a rough seller cost summary excluding commission:
Grantor's tax: ~$400
Settlement/deed fees: ~$700
Prorated taxes (closing in April): ~$1,200
Mortgage payoff fees: ~$200
Total (non-commission): ~$2,500
Add in typical total commission (5–5.5%): ~$20,000–$22,000, and your total selling costs come to approximately $22,500–$24,500 — leaving you with roughly $375,000–$377,500 before paying off your mortgage.
Want an exact number? I can run a seller net sheet for your specific home, price, and city in about five minutes.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just getting your bearings in this market — I'd love to help. I'm Barry Jenkins, REALTOR® serving Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area. Let me show you what this market can do for you.
📞 Call or text: 757-919-8874 | 🌐 legacyhometeamlpt.com