Selling in Houma and wondering what you’ll actually take home? Your list price is only the starting point. Between commissions, closing fees, payoff, repairs, and Louisiana-specific requirements, your net can look very different from your sale price. In this guide, you’ll learn the common costs, key local rules, and simple examples to help you estimate your net proceeds with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Sale price vs. net in Houma
Citywide numbers are helpful, but your home’s net depends on your property and timing. Recent reports show a Houma median sale price near $150,000, a home-value index near $177,000, and days on market often in the 70 to 80 range. Different data sources report different medians, and prices vary by neighborhood and condition. Use these as context, then ask for a local market analysis and a detailed Seller Net Sheet for your exact estimate.
What reduces your net proceeds
These are the most common seller-side costs you’ll see on a closing statement in Terrebonne Parish.
Commission
- Plan for a total commission in the 5% to 6% range, split between listing and buyer agents.
- Industry rule changes have shifted how buyer-agent pay is handled, but effects on local rates are mixed. Ask your agent to show scenarios at multiple rates. See the latest context on commissions in this Kiplinger overview.
Title, settlement, and title insurance
- Title and settlement charges, plus owner and lender title policies, often land in the low single digits of the price. The owner’s policy alone is usually several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on price and state schedules.
- Who pays the owner’s policy can vary locally. Confirm with your title company. For background on title insurance pricing and options, see this Washington Post explainer.
Parish recording and notary fees
- Louisiana closings rely on notarial acts. Terrebonne Parish recording fees are charged per document and page. A common schedule is 1–5 pages $105, 6–25 pages $205, and 26–50 pages $305. Your title company will estimate exact amounts. Review the Terrebonne recorder details on deeds.com.
Mortgage payoff and lien releases
- You will pay off your loan principal, daily interest through funding, and any release fees. Federal rules require servicers to provide payoff statements in a timely way, not more than 7 business days in most cases. Request yours early to avoid delays. Learn more from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Prorations, HOA, and utilities
- Property taxes are prorated to the closing date. If you have an HOA, expect a resale packet and possible transfer fees. Louisiana requires you to disclose HOA details. See the state statute on HOA disclosures in La. R.S. 9:3198.
Repairs and concessions
- Inspection findings can lead to repairs or credits. In our Gulf Coast market, roof, moisture, or termite items are common. A pre-list inspection can reduce surprises.
Staging and pre-list prep
- Optional but useful. Modest staging or targeted fixes can help marketability. For perspective on costs, see AARP’s guide to the real costs of selling a home.
Taxes on the sale
- Capital gains rules depend on how you used the home and your basis. Talk with a CPA before you rely on a final net number for planning.
Louisiana rules that affect your net
Property disclosure timing
- Louisiana requires sellers to give buyers a completed property disclosure form no later than the time the buyer makes an offer. If delivered later, buyers get a short rescission window. Read the statute at La. R.S. 9:3196.
Notarial closing practice
- Transfers of immovables are typically done by authentic act before a notary with witnesses. This shapes timing, recording, and certain fees. Learn more about Louisiana notaries from the Louisiana Supreme Court Law Library.
Flood zones and insurance
- Flood maps and elevation certificates influence buyer financing and insurance costs, which can affect offers. Confirm your flood zone using parish resources and disclose any prior flood or storm impacts. Start with Terrebonne’s official flood map page.
How to estimate your net in Houma
Use this quick process to get a grounded number before you list:
- Ask your agent for a line-item Seller Net Sheet at different commission rates, such as 5% and 6%. A clear net sheet sets expectations early. For context on today’s commission landscape, see Kiplinger.
- Request your written loan payoff now. Federal rules guide prompt responses, and per-diem interest adds up until the lender is paid. See the CFPB rule.
- Have a local title company prepare a preliminary estimate. Ask which side customarily pays the owner’s title policy and confirm recording and notary charges.
- Order a pre-list inspection or targeted checks for roof, HVAC, structure, and termites. Use realistic repair numbers in your net sheet.
- If you have an HOA, order the resale packet and confirm transfer or special assessment fees. State disclosure rules appear in La. R.S. 9:3198.
- Verify your flood zone and whether you have an elevation certificate. Share estimated flood insurance costs with buyers to support confidence. Use parish flood maps.
- Ask your CPA about potential taxes on the sale so your plan reflects your after-tax net.
Illustrative net examples
These are examples only, not quotes. Your numbers will change based on your payoff, contract terms, and actual fees.
Scenario A: Lower-priced Houma home (example)
- Sale price: $100,000
- Commission 6%: $6,000
- Other closing fees about 2%: $2,000
- Prorations and minor repairs: $1,250
- Mortgage payoff: $60,000
Estimated net before taxes and moving: about $30,750.
Scenario B: Near Houma’s median (example)
- Sale price: $150,000
- Commission 6%: $9,000
- Other closing fees about 2%: $3,000
- Prorations and repairs: $2,300
- Mortgage payoff: $100,000
Estimated net before taxes and moving: about $35,700.
Scenario C: Higher-priced example
- Sale price: $300,000
- Commission 5.5%: $16,500
- Other closing fees about 1.5%: $4,500
- Prorations and repairs: $6,000
- Mortgage payoff: $200,000
Estimated net before taxes and moving: about $73,000.
Tips to keep more of your net
- Price with local comps and flood context. Align with condition and zone so you attract strong, realistic offers.
- Prep for the inspection. Fix small items now to avoid bigger credits later, especially roof and moisture-related repairs.
- Stage smart, not big. Modest, targeted staging can help photos and speed, which can reduce holding costs. See AARP on costs of selling.
- Request your payoff early. Avoid last-minute interest surprises by getting the official quote and updating it before closing.
- Ask for multiple commission net sheets. Seeing options at 5% and 6% helps you plan and compare.
Selling in Terrebonne Parish is straightforward when you know your numbers. If you want a personalized Seller Net Sheet, a precise pricing analysis, and a marketing plan that taps Bayou MLS and RE/MAX distribution, reach out to Good Earth Realty Houma. We live and work here, and we’re ready to help you move with confidence.
FAQs
What is a quick way to estimate net proceeds in Houma?
- Start with a realistic sale price from a local market analysis, subtract an estimated 5% to 6% commission, then subtract 1.5% to 2.5% for closing fees, add expected repairs and prorations, and finally subtract your loan payoff.
Who typically pays for the owner’s title policy in Terrebonne Parish?
- It can vary by local custom and negotiation, so confirm with your title company and have your agent model both scenarios in your net sheet. See general title cost context from the Washington Post.
How long does a mortgage payoff statement take when selling in Louisiana?
- Under federal rules, servicers must provide payoff statements within a reasonable time, not more than 7 business days in most cases. Request yours early. Details are at the CFPB.
Do Louisiana sellers have to disclose known defects to buyers?
- Yes. Louisiana requires delivery of a property disclosure form by the time the buyer makes an offer, with a rescission window if delivered later. See La. R.S. 9:3196.
How does flood zone status affect my net proceeds in Houma?
- Flood zone and elevation can influence buyer insurance costs and lender requirements, which affects offer strength and pricing. Verify your zone on parish flood maps and share documentation with buyers early.
