Selling your home in Sarnia can be exciting—but it also comes with expenses that many sellers don’t see coming. While most people think about commission fees, there are several other hidden costs that can impact your bottom line if you're not prepared.

At the Blue Coast Team, we believe in full transparency and helping you plan ahead so there are no surprises. Here’s what you need to know about the lesser-known expenses of selling your home—and how to budget for them.

Pre-Listing Repairs and Improvements

Before your home hits the market, you may need to invest in repairs or updates to attract buyers and get top dollar. This could include:

• Painting
  
• Fixing leaky faucets or squeaky doors
  
• Updating light fixtures
  
• Curb appeal enhancements; even small changes can add up—but they often help your home sell faster and for more.

Home Staging and Photography

Professional staging helps buyers picture themselves living in the space, and high-quality photography is crucial for your online listing. While staging and photography are optional, they’ve become standard for competitive listings in Sarnia and can cost several hundred dollars. At Blue Coast Realty, we have an in house stager that can help save you time and money!

Cleaning and Decluttering Services

First impressions matter. Many sellers opt for deep cleaning services before showings, and professional decluttering or organizing help can go a long way in making your home feel open and inviting.

Legal Fees

You’ll need a real estate lawyer to help close the sale and handle documents like the deed transfer. Legal fees can vary but typically range between $800 and $1,500 in Ontario.

Mortgage Discharge Fees or Penalties

If you're paying off your mortgage early or switching lenders, your lender may charge a discharge or prepayment penalty. This amount depends on your lender and mortgage terms—but it can be a surprise if you’re not expecting it.

Utility Adjustments and Final Bills

You'll need to settle all utility accounts before closing, including hydro, gas, water, and property taxes. Depending on timing, you may also owe adjustments or credits.

Moving Costs

Don’t forget to budget for moving expenses! Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or storing your belongings temporarily, moving can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. When you buy or sell with the Blue Coast Team, you can take advantage of our complimentary moving truck—because we know that every little bit helps.

We’ve also partnered with Big Purple Box Co., a local company that rents reusable moving boxes. As our client, you’ll receive an exclusive discount, and they’ll even handle delivery and pickup of the boxes right at your home—saving you both time and money!

Bonus: Holding Costs

If your home is on the market longer than expected or if you're carrying two mortgages temporarily, those extra costs—like insurance, utilities, and maintenance—can add up quickly.

Tips from Blue Coast Team

• Get a pre-listing consultation to identify cost-effective updates.
  
  
• Ask your REALTOR® for referrals to trusted service providers.
  
  
• Request a breakdown of estimated selling expenses up front.
  
  
• Budget a buffer of at least 1–2% of your sale price for surprise costs.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Selling a home comes with more costs than just the commission—but when you're prepared, these expenses don’t have to be stressful. With Blue Coast Team, we help you navigate every step so you're never caught off guard.

If you're planning to sell in Sarnia, contact us today for a free home evaluation and personalized prep checklist. Let’s make your sale smooth, successful, and cost-smart.