Guide to Selling Houses in Virginia

Ask anyone who lives in Virginia what life is like here, and they will probably say, “You get a little bit of everything.”

The state has quiet mountain towns, refreshing coastal villages, bustling metro areas, and growing suburban hubs. It’s no wonder the population is over eight million!

Without question, Virginia is a great place to call home. But what if life itself tells you it’s time to move on? Maybe you’re being deployed and must leave soon. Or perhaps you’re dealing with tax liens, and your biggest possible financial source is real estate.

Whatever your situation, selling a house in VA is possible. Let us reveal the expenditures, processes, and smartest options.

How Much Does It Cost To Sell a Real Estate Property ?

Before you pocket any profits, you must cover a few upfront (and sometimes hidden) costs. Here are the things you will likely pay for as a seller:

1. Property Taxes: Selling or not, it’s your responsibility to settle your property taxes. You might owe a prorated amount based on the sale date.
2. Transfer Taxes: Transferring ownership from one individual to another comes with a price that you and your buyer should split.
3. HOA Fees: If your property is part of a homeowners association, expect a resale package or document fee.
4. Title Costs: Protect yourself and your buyer from ownership problems through title search and insurance.
5. Escrow Expenses: Have a neutral third party handle the funds, paperwork, and other logistics.
6. Concessions: Turn potential buyers into sure buyers by agreeing to cover some expenses or suggesting anything to make them want your place.
7. Agent Commissions: Real estate agents work as your partner, taking over many tasks like listing, marketing, scheduling open houses, and negotiating offers.
8. Preparations: Most buyers look for move-in-ready homes. Have a budget for remodeling, cleaning, landscaping, and other upgrades.

All in all, closing costs in the area usually total about 1.41% of your home’s value. That figure may seem insignificant, but shell it out and you will feel its weight.

 

How To Sell a Home in Virginia

Now, learn the actual process of selling houses. Traditional real estate sales involve a lot of moving parts, all of which you must go through.

Step 1: Find a Real Estate Agent

Hiring a licensed real estate agent means you get to sell in a professional way. These experts know what the market needs, how much properties are worth, and when you should move forward with or hold your plans. Understandably, they charge hefty commissions.

Step 2: Prep Your Property

You cannot sell something nobody wants. So, assess your place and see where improvement is warranted. You may need to declutter, deep-clean certain areas, repaint walls, or replace or fix broken things.

Step 3: Decide on a Selling Price

It’s never a good idea to just make a guess. If your price is too high, you will not find buyers. If you price too low, you will walk away with less than you hope for. Let your agent do a comparative market analysis (CMA) based on similar homes in your area.

Step 4: List and Market

Next, your house gets posted on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and promoted online. Present professional photos, video walkthroughs, and open houses to help boost visibility.

Can you sell without listing? Sure. But how will you reach potential buyers?

Step 5: Receive, Review, and Negotiate Offers

After showings, buyers will start submitting offers through your agent. Review all of these offers, including the timelines and concessions, and negotiate. Remember to aim for a balance between your target and a feasible sale.

Step 6: Choose the Best Deal and Close the Sale

Once you accept an offer, the lender sends an appraiser, and inspectors come in; title work begins. After all conditions are met (and no major surprises pop up), you close and officially make your buyer the new owner.

Calculating Closing Costs

Now, back to the spending part.

You already know sellers in the state pay around 1.41% of a house’s value in closing costs, but you cannot simply set that amount aside and continue. Understand what you’re responsible for to avoid any financial stress.

For instance, buyers in Virginia typically handle most of the transfer taxes. That may relieve you, but there will still be the grantor tax to settle.

Also, buyers usually seek clean titles. That means you, the seller, might decide to cover the title search or insurance instantly. However, these expenses are negotiable. Your buyer could be willing to help you!

If your house demands a lot of TLC, the costs fall on you. Filthy homes or those that are falling apart will not attract anyone going the traditional route.

Generally, it is in agent commissions that a big chunk of your proceeds goes. Agents will tell you how much they charge and why, and might be open to discounts.

How To Save Money When Selling Properties

It’s natural for you to wish for the biggest check possible. Since the traditional method takes time, money, and effort, explore alternatives, such as these two:

1. Sell Without a Realtor: For sale by owner (FSBO) allows you to save on commission fees. However, you will do all the heavy lifting on your own. This option is ideal for those with real estate experience and patience.
2. Sell As-Is: Do you have a house with failed repairs or renovations? Or do you need to sell fast? Home buying companies purchase as-is. These companies buy properties in any condition, cutting down timelines and prices.

Ultimately, it comes down to how much you’re ready to invest in the process. You are not without choices!

Real Estate Problems That Often Arise When Selling

Why else would sellers seek alternatives? Besides outlays, there are possible roadblocks beyond your control. Real estate sales can get messy.

Failed Inspections

Inspections verify homes are safe. You could do everything to make your home livable, but inspections may uncover foundation and plumbing issues, mold, or roof damage. Either the deal falls through, or you spend thousands more.

Unpredictable Showing Schedules

Keeping houses show-ready at all times can be exhausting, especially if you live in the one you are selling. Some showings happen with little notice, and buyers may not follow through.

Unfavorable Local Market Conditions

When inventory is high and demand is low, properties can sit for weeks or months. If you need the sale sooner, you might have to lower your price or offer incentives to get even just one buyer’s attention.

Unrealistic Buyers

Everyone wants the best. So, do not be surprised when a buyer requests too many repairs or lowballs your price. You will not fall into these traps as long as you know your home’s worth. You do not have to entertain all offers.

Unsatisfactory Bank Appraisals

Even if someone offers your asking price, their lender will still appraise the place. If the appraised value comes in low, you may have to drop the price or risk losing the sale. Some financing does not come through, too.

Let Cava Buys Buy Your House

Imagine skipping the pressure, avoiding the expenditures, and moving on quickly. With

Cava Buys, you can! We are a trusted cash home buyer purchasing all types of properties.

From manufactured and mobile homes to houses that are barely standing, sales take only three steps:

1. Step 1: Share Relevant Details. Contact us online or call (804) 215-0631 and tell us about your house. Ask questions and our team will answer!
2. Step 2: Consider Our Offer. Our experts will swing by to assess your place and present a no-obligation, fair cash offer.
3. Step 3: Close Anytime. Do our numbers look good? Accept and decide the closing date! We close in as little as seven days or whenever you want.

Cava Buys purchases as-is and charges zero commissions and fees. We just buy. And because we are local, we understand VA’s real estate market inside and out and promise you the value you deserve.

Speedy and smooth transactions? Guaranteed! Request a free cash offer now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers and learn more about selling houses!

How Do I Sell a House ?

You may sell through a realtor, list it yourself (FSBO), or go with a cash buyer like Cava Buys. Each option has pros and cons, and the best one depends on your priorities.

Do I Pay Taxes When Selling a Home ?

Yes. Sellers in VApay a grantor’s tax and any remaining property taxes owed up to the closing date.

What Is the Average Price for a House?

As of June 2025, homes in VA sold for a median price of $485,700. This figure is for properties in excellent condition in desirable locations.

Does a Seller Pay Closing Costs ?

Yes. While sellers can negotiate some fees, they usually cover agent commissions, HOA fees, title-related costs, and grantor taxes. Don’t forget concessions!

Who Pays Transfer Tax?

Buyers typically pay the transfer tax in VA, but sellers settle the grantor’s tax. Both parties can arrange the final terms to sell my house fast Richmond.