“How much will I actually walk away with?” That’s the real question when you sell, and it’s not the same as the sale price. A higher price with an agent can leave you with less than a lower cash offer once the costs come out. Here’s an honest, side-by-side look at what it really costs to sell a house in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
The costs nobody puts on the sign
- Real estate commission, commonly around 4–5% split between both sides
- Repairs, staging, cleaning, and photos to get it market-ready
- Carrying costs while it sits: mortgage, property taxes, heat, insurance
- Real estate lawyer fees to close and transfer the deed
- Buyer repair credits negotiated after the inspection
A note on transfer taxes: in New Brunswick the Real Property Transfer Tax (about 1%) and in Nova Scotia the municipal Deed Transfer Tax are generally paid by the buyer, not you, so your main seller costs are commission and legal fees.
Agent sale vs. cash offer: an honest example
Here’s an illustrative comparison on a home that might list around $325,000 in the Maritimes. Your figures will differ, but the shape holds.
| Sell with an agent | Sell to a cash buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Sale price | $325,000 | $280,000 |
| Commission (~5%) | −$16,250 | $0 |
| Repairs & prep | −$10,000 | $0 |
| Carrying costs (3–4 months) | −$5,000 | ~$0 |
| Lawyer / closing | −$1,500 | Often covered |
| Rough net to you | ~$292,250 | ~$280,000 |
Illustrative only. Every home, repair list, and closing is different.
What the numbers actually say
In this example the agent sale nets a little more, and for a tidy, move-in-ready home with time to spare, that’s usually true. The gap narrows fast, though, when a home needs real repairs, sits for months, or a deal falls through and you start over. The cash number is also certain; the agent number assumes everything goes smoothly.
The bottom line
Don’t compare a sale price to a cash offer. Compare your net, after commission, repairs, carrying costs, and legal fees, against the certainty and speed each path gives you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a house in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia?
With an agent, expect roughly 4–5% commission plus repairs, carrying costs, and lawyer fees, which can total tens of thousands. A cash sale has no commission or repair costs but a lower price.
Who pays the transfer tax in NB and NS?
The buyer typically pays New Brunswick’s Real Property Transfer Tax (about 1%) and Nova Scotia’s municipal Deed Transfer Tax. Your main seller costs are commission and legal fees.
What is the real estate commission in the Maritimes?
Commissions are negotiable but commonly run about 4–5% of the sale price, split between the buying and selling sides.
Do I pay closing costs when I sell?
Sellers typically pay their real estate lawyer and any outstanding costs at closing. Many cash buyers cover standard closing costs.
How do I compare an agent sale to a cash offer fairly?
Compare net to net. Subtract commission, repairs, carrying costs, and legal fees from the agent price, then weigh that against the cash offer’s speed and certainty.
When is a cash sale worth the lower price?
When the home needs repairs, when speed and certainty matter, or when months of carrying costs and the risk of a deal collapsing would eat the difference anyway.