Selling a Home in Massachusetts
Massachusetts sellers pay the state Deeds Excise (commonly called 'tax stamps') at $4.56 per $1,000 of the sale price (0.456%). Barnstable County (Cape Cod) charges a higher rate of $6.48 per $1,000 (0.648%). On top of the excise, sellers pay agent commissions, the owner's title insurance policy, attorney/settlement fees, and recording fees.
Massachusetts Transfer Tax & Closing Costs
Massachusetts uses an attorney-closing model. The seller customarily pays the full deeds excise tax, the owner's title insurance policy, and their own attorney's fee. The buyer's lender typically requires a lender's title policy paid by the buyer.
How to Estimate Your Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Net Proceeds = Sale Price − Mortgage Payoff − Commissions − Transfer Taxes − Closing Costs
