Selling a Home in Maine
Maine charges a Real Estate Transfer Tax of $2.20 per $500 of the sale price (0.44%) at recordation. The tax is split evenly between buyer and seller — the seller's share is $1.10 per $500 (0.22%). Sellers also pay agent commissions, the owner's title insurance policy, attorney/settlement fees, and recording fees.
Maine Transfer Tax & Closing Costs
Maine uses an attorney-closing model. The seller customarily pays the seller's half of the transfer tax, the owner's title insurance policy, and their own attorney's fee. Recording fees are a small fixed cost at closing.
How to Estimate Your Maine Net Proceeds
- Sale Price: Start with the agreed-upon contract price.
- Mortgage Payoff: Subtract your remaining loan balance and accrued interest through closing.
- Transfer Taxes: Apply the state, county, and any municipal transfer tax owed by the seller.
- Closing Costs: Deduct commissions, owner's title insurance, attorney/escrow, and recording fees.
Maine Net Proceeds = Sale Price − Mortgage Payoff − Commissions − Transfer Taxes − Closing Costs
