Selling a Home in North Carolina
North Carolina sellers pay a state Excise (Revenue) Stamp Tax of $1.00 per $500 of the sale price (0.20%) at recordation. Seven coastal counties — Currituck, Dare, Chowan, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, and Washington — add a 1.0% local Land Transfer Tax on top. North Carolina uses an attorney-closing model, so the seller also pays an attorney/settlement fee, agent commissions, owner's title insurance, and any HOA transfer fees.
North Carolina Transfer Tax & Closing Costs
North Carolina closings are handled by a real estate attorney. The seller customarily pays the state excise tax, the owner's title insurance policy, and a share of attorney/settlement fees. Recording fees are a small fixed cost at closing.
How to Estimate Your North Carolina 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.
North Carolina Net Proceeds = Sale Price − Mortgage Payoff − Commissions − Transfer Taxes − Closing Costs
