The Truth About Closing Costs When Selling a Home in San Diego

Selling your San Diego home is a big financial move—but many sellers are surprised by how much they owe in closing costs once the deal is done. Without a clear understanding of what’s included, it’s easy to overestimate your final profit. Knowing the truth about closing costs helps you prepare, negotiate smarter, and protect your equity. In this post, we’ll cover what closing costs include for sellers in San Diego, how location and local market trends affect them, and how you can minimize those costs before you list.

• What Are Closing Costs for San Diego Sellers?

• How San Diego’s Local Market and Location Impact Closing Costs

• Ways to Reduce or Negotiate Closing Costs Before You List

What Are Closing Costs for San Diego Sellers?

Closing costs are the fees and taxes due at the end of a home sale, and for San Diego sellers, they generally total 6% to 8% of the sale price. The largest portion is the real estate commission, which now averages 4.99% in California, split between the listing and buyer’s agents, according to Clever Real Estate (April 2025). Sellers also pay escrow fees, which are typically $2 per $1,000 of the sale price plus a $200 base fee. You'll also cover title insurance, which ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the home’s value, and San Diego County’s transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000. Additional seller-paid costs can include HOA document fees (ranging from $100 to over $1,000), recording fees (usually $600–$700), and optional items like a home warranty or buyer credits. These numbers reflect the most current San Diego market averages and county guidelines as of April 2025.

How San Diego’s Local Market and Location Impact Closing Costs

Your location within San Diego County can significantly influence what you pay at closing. For example, homes in HOA communities like those in Rancho Bernardo, Mission Valley, or Chula Vista often include high transfer and document fees, with some HOA management companies charging well over $1,000. Natural hazard zones—such as coastal flood-prone areas or inland wildfire zones—may require additional mandatory disclosures, increasing seller expenses. In San Diego City, there are no additional city transfer taxes beyond the county rate, unlike cities such as Los Angeles. Local custom also impacts who pays what: while it’s traditional for the seller to cover both title and escrow in San Diego County, this division is always negotiable. A skilled real estate professional will factor in these micro-market conditions to give you the most accurate net proceeds estimate possible.

Ways to Reduce or Negotiate Closing Costs Before You List

Many San Diego sellers don’t realize how much of their closing costs can be controlled. One of the biggest levers is the real estate commission—it’s always negotiable. While the average is 4.99% in California as of 2025, some agents offer flexible packages based on your home’s price, services, or marketing needs. You can also shop around for escrow and title companies, since fees vary widely and aren’t set by law. In certain cases, especially in a competitive market, you may be able to negotiate with the buyer to assume a portion of your closing costs or forego seller-paid incentives like a home warranty. By working with a top San Diego real estate broker who knows the latest fee structures and market conditions, you can retain more equity and avoid overpaying.

Conclusion

San Diego home sellers face closing costs that can add up quickly—but understanding where those numbers come from puts you in control. From commissions and transfer taxes to HOA fees and disclosure requirements, your location and market timing play a big role. With careful planning and the right strategy, you can minimize unnecessary costs and walk away with more money in your pocket.

Melina Rissone

Having sold properties for more than 20 years and earning various prestigious awards throughout the course of her career, Melina Rissone has more than earned her reputation as one of San Diego's most skilled and trustworthy real estate brokers selling homes and luxury condominiums. Her loyal clientele would share that Melina brings structure and planning to chaos. She specializes in supporting her clients and their referrals; families and individuals going thru divorce and seniors and active adults planning their moves and financial decisions during their retirement years..

• Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing certified.
• Cartus Network Inventory Specialist and Cartus Network Marketing Specialist since 2015.
• RCS-D Designation, a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce.
• SRES Certification through NAR is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification.
• Melina is bilingual in English and German.
• Recognized as the Top 4% of all real estate brokers in San Diego County in 2021 and the Top 3% of Coldwell Banker International.
• Coldwell Banker Presidents Elite Award.
• Recognize as the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker West in 2024.
• Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Institute of Luxury Home Marketing Certified.