How Much Do You REALLY Keep When You Sell? A Pasco County Seller's Net-Proceeds Breakdown

Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all done it, you’re sitting on your patio with a glass of sweet tea, looking at the Zillow zestimate for your house, and doing some “napkin math.” You see that big, beautiful number and think, “Wow, I’m going to be rich!”

But then, reality (and the tax man) starts knocking. If you’re planning to sell your home here in Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, or Citrus County, the number you see on the contract isn't the number that ends up in your bank account. There’s a bit of a "sticker shock" moment when you see the closing disclosure for the first time.

I’m Stacy, "Stacy The Home Girl," and I believe in being 100% transparent with my neighbors. I don't want you to have any surprises at the closing table. Whether you're moving up to a bigger spot for the family or downsizing now that the kids are gone, you need to know exactly how much you're walking away with.

So, let's break down the math using a real-world example: a typical $362,000 sale in Pasco County.

The Pasco County Net-Proceeds Breakdown

To give you the most accurate picture, let’s look at the median sale price right now in Pasco County, which is roughly $362,000. Here is what a typical "Net Sheet" looks like before you pay off your existing mortgage.

Your Approximate Net: ~$334,796

(Note: This is before your mortgage payoff, any repair credits, or that $500 deep-clean bill.)

Understanding the "Big Three" Seller Costs

If those numbers made your tea go down a little bit sideways, don't worry. Most of these are standard across the Sunshine State. Let’s look at the heavy hitters.

1. The Commission

I know, it’s the biggest number on the page. But here’s the thing: in a market that's shifting, you aren't just paying for a sign in the yard. You're paying for a massive digital marketing engine, professional photography, and a negotiator who can keep a deal together when the buyer’s inspection report comes back looking like a CVS receipt.

At Epique Realty, we use top-tier tools land AI-driven marketing to make sure your home gets in front of the right buyers fast. We don't just wait for the phone to ring; we go find the buyer.

2. Florida Documentary Stamp Tax (The "Doc Stamps")

Florida loves its sunshine, but it also loves its transfer taxes. For every $100 your home sells for, the state takes $0.70. It doesn't sound like much, but on a $362,000 home, that’s over $2,500. Unless you’re selling in Miami-Dade (where the rules are different), this is a standard cost of doing business in Florida.

3. Title Insurance

In Pasco and Hernando counties, it is customary for the seller to pay for the Owner’s Title Insurance policy. This ensures that the buyer is getting a "clean" title, free of any old liens or weird legal drama from three owners ago. It’s a one-time fee, but it’s a vital one to get the deal closed.

The Good News: Taxes and the Florida Advantage

It’s not all subtractions! Selling your home in Florida has some major perks, especially when it comes to Uncle Sam.

The Capital Gains Exclusion:
If your home has skyrocketed in value (thanks, Florida real estate boom!), you might be worried about taxes. But here’s the win: If you’ve lived in your home as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years, you can exclude up to $250,000 (if single) or $500,000 (if married) in profit from federal income taxes.

No State Income Tax:
Because we live in the great state of Florida, you don’t have to worry about a state-level "exit tax" or income tax on your home sale. What you keep is truly yours.

Every Home (and Every Seller) is Different

While the $362,000 example is a great baseline, your situation is unique. Maybe your roof is older and you need to offer a credit. Maybe your husband is a handyman (like mine!) and you’ve already knocked out all the prep work, so your home is going to command a premium price.

When I sit down with my clients, I don't just give them a "ballpark." I provide a detailed Seller's Net Sheet that accounts for your specific mortgage balance, your specific HOA fees, and even the "move-out" costs.

My goal is to make sure that when you get to that closing table, you’re smiling because the number on the check is exactly what we planned for. I’m all about making the move stress-free, from helping with the cleaning to making sure the prep work is handled.

Ready to see your real number?

If you’re thinking about listing in the next 120 days, don't rely on a generic website's "estimate." Let’s get you the real data.

I’ll put together a personalized net-proceeds estimate for you, no pressure, no "hard sell," just the facts so you can plan your next move with confidence. And hey, if your house needs a little "sprucing up" before it hits the market, remember that my husband,Richard is an AWESOME handyman and I love helping my sellers get their homes "show-ready" without the headache.

Thinking about your next move in real estate? Let's have a confidential conversation about your goals and see if Epique Realty might be the right fit for you.

📞 Stacy Gervais
Your Sunshine State Real Estate Advisor
Area Leader | Epique Realty
813-842-3077