How Much Will I Net After Selling My Emerald Coast Home?

The question every seller asks before they list: what will I actually walk away with? Gross sale price is the headline number, but net proceeds — what hits your bank account after closing — is what matters. Here's how to work through the math for an Emerald Coast sale.

The basic net proceeds formula

Net proceeds = Sale price − mortgage payoff − seller closing costs − any seller-paid concessions

Each of those components has real numbers behind it. Let's go through them.

Mortgage payoff

If you have an outstanding mortgage, your lender will provide a payoff statement — the exact amount needed to satisfy the loan as of a specific date, including any accrued interest. This is typically your largest deduction. Request a payoff statement from your lender once you have a contract; it's valid for a limited window (usually 10–30 days).

If you own free and clear, this line is zero.

Seller closing costs in Florida

Florida seller closing costs typically run 7–9% of the sale price for a standard transaction. The main components:

Real estate commission: Typically 5–6% of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agent. On a $600,000 sale, that's $30,000–$36,000. Commission is negotiable and varies by transaction.

Documentary stamp tax on the deed: Florida charges $0.70 per $100 of sale price (or $0.60 per $100 in Miami-Dade). On a $600,000 sale: $4,200. This is a seller cost in most Florida transactions.

Title insurance (owner's policy): In most Emerald Coast counties, the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy. On a $600,000 sale, the owner's policy typically runs $2,500–$3,500 depending on the title company and any applicable reissue credits.

Title/closing fees: The closing agent charges a settlement fee, typically $500–$1,000.

Recording fees: Modest — typically $50–$200.

HOA estoppel fee (if applicable): $100–$500 depending on the association.

Property tax proration: Florida property taxes are paid in arrears. If you close before the end of the tax year, you'll credit the buyer for the portion of the year you owned the property. On a $600,000 home with $6,000/year in taxes, closing in June means roughly $3,000 credited to the buyer.

Rental income proration (vacation rentals): If the property has future bookings, the rental income for those periods may be prorated at closing — either credited to the buyer or handled through the management company. This is negotiated in the contract.

A worked example

Sale price: $600,000 Mortgage payoff: $280,000 Commission (5.5%): $33,000 Doc stamps: $4,200 Owner's title insurance: $3,000 Closing/settlement fee: $750 Tax proration (6 months): $3,000 HOA estoppel: $250 Estimated net proceeds: ~$275,800

Your actual numbers will differ — this is illustrative. The title company will provide a preliminary closing disclosure (CD) before closing that shows the exact figures.

What sellers often underestimate

Prepayment penalties: Some mortgages have prepayment penalties. Check your loan documents.

Outstanding HOA dues or special assessments: Any unpaid dues or assessments must be satisfied at closing.

Repair credits: If the buyer's inspection turns up issues and you agree to a credit rather than making repairs, that reduces your net.

Capital gains tax: If you've owned the property as an investment or vacation rental, you may owe federal capital gains tax on the gain. See the capital gains guide for details.

How to get a precise estimate

The most accurate way to estimate your net proceeds before listing is to ask your listing agent to prepare a seller's net sheet — a line-by-line estimate based on your specific property, mortgage balance, and anticipated sale price. I prepare these for every seller I work with before we discuss pricing strategy.

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Kinsey Haddock P.A. · Broker Associate · Coldwell Banker Realty — Panhandle · License #BK3253849