🏡 What Should Homeowners Expect to Net When Selling in Grand Rapids?

When homeowners in Grand Rapids start thinking about selling, one of the first questions that comes up is, “How much will I actually walk away with?”

It’s an important question, and the answer depends on several factors: the home’s price, condition, location, and the overall health of the market. While many sellers focus on what their home will sell for, the real number that matters is what you’ll take home after expenses — your net proceeds.

Let’s break down what that looks like for sellers in today’s Grand Rapids market, with insight from the agents at Perigon Realty Group.

Understanding What “Net” Really Means

Your net is the amount you pocket after all selling costs are deducted from your final sale price. Think of it as your bottom line.

For most Grand Rapids sellers, the primary deductions include:

• Agent commissions

• Title, transfer, and closing fees

• Repairs or concessions made during negotiation

• Mortgage payoff and any home equity line balances

  
  

If you sell for $400,000, for example, you might expect total transaction costs between $20,000 and $30,000 depending on the situation. That means your net proceeds could be closer to $370,000 or less, after costs and loan payoffs are handled.

Perigon Realty Group helps sellers calculate this early, so there are no surprises later. Clarity and planning up front are key.

How the Grand Rapids Market Impacts Your Net

The Grand Rapids housing market remains competitive, particularly for homes in move-in-ready condition. Low inventory continues to work in sellers’ favor. Homes that are clean, well-presented, and accurately priced tend to receive multiple offers or go under contract within the first few weeks.

That environment often allows sellers to retain more of their asking price. Historically, sellers in Grand Rapids net between 90 and 95 percent of their list price. In certain neighborhoods like East Grand Rapids or Eastown, homes can even sell above asking when marketed correctly.

Key Factors That Affect What You’ll Take Home

1. Condition and PresentationBuyers today are selective. Homes that show well require less negotiation on price or repair credits. A small investment in cleaning, paint, or minor updates can translate into thousands of dollars more at closing.

   
   

2. TimingListing in the late spring or early summer often leads to stronger offers. Families prefer to move before the school year, and demand peaks in that window.

   
   

3. Pricing StrategyOverpricing can hurt your net, not help it. When a listing sits too long, it often leads to price reductions or low offers. Pricing accurately from day one helps maximize your proceeds.

   
   

4. Agent ExpertiseExperienced agents know how to position your home within the market. The team at Perigon Realty Group combines data analytics with firsthand neighborhood knowledge to determine where a home will perform best.

   
   

Real Numbers: A Simple Example

Let’s take a typical Grand Rapids home selling for $400,000. Here’s what a seller might expect:

Item	Approximate Cost	Notes
Commission	$20,000–$24,000	Can vary through negotiations and are not a set amount
Closing costs & fees	$2,000–$3,000	Varies by title company
Minor repairs / credits	$1,500–$3,000	Based on inspection outcomes
Mortgage payoff	$200,000	Example balance
Net proceeds	≈ $170,000	After deductions

These numbers are simply a guide, but they show why understanding your bottom line is more useful than just fixating on a sale price.

How to Maximize Your Net

Sellers often think getting the highest offer is the only way to increase profit, but that’s just one part of the equation. The right offer — from a qualified buyer with strong terms — often leads to a smoother closing and fewer surprises.

Here’s what typically helps:

• Stage your home well, even minimally.

• Make simple improvements that photograph beautifully.

• Partner with an agent who markets your listing across platforms, not just on the MLS.

  
  

That last one is where Perigon Realty Group consistently stands out. Their listings don’t just appear online — they attract the right buyers through optimized digital marketing and targeted exposure, both locally and nationally.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your net proceeds are about more than math. They’re about timing, presentation, and strategy.

By focusing on what you’ll actually keep — not just what you’ll list for — you can make smarter decisions from day one. And with an experienced local team guiding you, selling your Grand Rapids home can be a rewarding and financially confident process.