The listing commission is the largest line item on a seller's closing statement. It is not the only line item. Every California home seller faces a stack of additional fees — most charged by third parties, all of them negotiable to varying degrees. Connor MacIvor's job under the Fair Fixed Fee Model includes minimizing every dollar on this list, not just his own commission.
Below is the full breakdown of what to expect, who charges each fee, and where the negotiation leverage lives.
Listing-Side Commission (Connor's $17K)
Under the Fair Fixed Fee Model, this is fixed at $17,000 regardless of sale price. Under a percentage model, it ranges from 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price.
Seller's Portion of Escrow Fees
Escrow fees in California are typically split between buyer and seller. The base fee is calculated as a small percentage of the sale price plus a fixed minimum. On a $1M home, the seller's portion commonly runs $1,500 to $2,500.
Seller's Portion of Title Insurance
In Southern California, the seller customarily pays for the owner's policy of title insurance (CLTA standard), while the buyer pays for the lender's policy. Title insurance is a one-time premium based on sale price.
HOA Transfer Fees and Document Costs
If the property is in an HOA, the management company charges a transfer fee and documents fee. Typical range: $300 to $800 depending on the association. Some HOAs add additional special transfer or capital-contribution fees.
County Documentary Transfer Tax
Los Angeles County charges $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. On a $1M home, that is $1,100. Some cities within LA County add their own transfer tax — Santa Clarita itself currently does not, but ordinances change. Verify at the time of sale.
Withholding (Federal FIRPTA, California State)
FIRPTA: applies to foreign sellers, withheld at the federal level. California state withholding: 3.33% of gross sale price unless the seller qualifies for an exemption (primary residence sold for a gain under certain thresholds, etc.).
Termite and Pest Inspections (and Treatments)
Many transactions require a Section 1 (active infestation) clearance for the lender. If issues are found, treatment cost is typically the seller's responsibility unless negotiated otherwise in the contract.
Mandatory Disclosures and Reports
Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD), Megan's Law, lead-based paint (pre-1978 homes), and other state-mandated disclosures. Typical NHD report: $100 to $150. Other disclosures may add to that.
Buyer-Side Cooperating Compensation (Optional, Negotiable)
Since the NAR settlement, buyer-side cooperating compensation is no longer part of the MLS listing. The seller decides — separately and at the seller's discretion — whether to offer compensation to a cooperating buyer's agent and in what amount.
Putting it all together
The line items above apply to every California home sale, regardless of which agent represents the seller and regardless of commission structure. The percentage commission model does not absorb them. The Fair Fixed Fee Model does not absorb them. They are line items on the closing statement, charged by third parties.
The difference under the Fair Fixed Fee Model is two-fold. First, the largest single line — the listing commission — drops dramatically. Second, Connor brings the same energy to negotiating every other line item that he brings to negotiating the sale price. The total seller cost shrinks at both ends of the closing statement.
Model Your Full Closing Statement
Connor will walk through every line item for your specific property — escrow quotes, title quotes, HOA fees, transfer taxes, and the difference between a percentage commission and the Fair Fixed Fee.
Book Seller Strategy CallRelated Reading
The Complete Guide to Selling Under the Fair Fixed Fee Model What the $17K Actually Covers (and What It Does Not) Do I Still Have to Pay the Buyer's Agent After the NAR Settlement?Frequently Asked Questions
