How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your Home in Kelowna?

How Much Does It Cost to Sell Your Home in Kelowna?
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Kelowna, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How much is this going to cost me?”

It’s a fair question. Selling a home isn’t just about finding a buyer — there are several costs along the way that you’ll want to plan for. The good news is that when you know what to expect, there are fewer surprises and you can make better decisions about your sale.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common expenses when selling a home in Kelowna — including exactly what’s covered in my fee for service.

1. Real Estate Commissions
In British Columbia, real estate commissions are not fixed and are always negotiable.* Most sellers choose to work with a full-service REALTOR® who charges a percentage of the sale price, which is shared between your listing agent and the buyer’s agent.My Fee Structure*
  • First $100,000 of the sale price: 7% fee
  • Balance of the sale price: 3% fee

What’s Included in My Fee for Service

  • Initial Consultation – Your personal advisor to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you create the right strategy from day one.
  • Acting as Your Fiduciary – Always putting your best interests first, protecting your position, and guiding you through every decision with honesty and transparency.
  • Professional Photography and Videography – $500 to $2,000 value, depending on the size of your property and the scope of video production.
  • Marketing – Strategic online and offline campaigns to showcase your home to the right buyers, including social media advertising, website features, and listing platform exposure.
  • Negotiating on Your Behalf – Protecting your interests and working to get you the best possible terms and price.
  • Listing Paperwork – Preparing all necessary listing agreements, property disclosures, and legal forms.
  • Contract of Purchase and Sale Review – Thoroughly reviewing all offers and advising you on the terms before you sign.
  • Strata Document Collection (if applicable) – Coordinating and covering the cost of obtaining required strata documents, typically $500 to $1,000.
  • Surface Title Search – Ensuring your property title is clear and accurate before listing.
  • Open House Advertising and Coverage – Promoting and hosting open houses to attract qualified buyers.
*There are many different business models out there with varying levels of service. This is simply how my business operates and what’s included when you work with me.

2. Legal Fees or Notary Costs

Once your home sells, you’ll need a lawyer or notary public to handle the legal paperwork, transfer of title, and distribution of funds.
Typical range in Kelowna: $1,500 – $2,500. The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction.

3. Mortgage Discharge Fees (if applicable)

If you have a mortgage, your lender may charge a discharge fee to remove their interest from the title.
Typical range: $75 – $300. If you’re breaking your mortgage term early, you may also face a mortgage penalty, which can be significantly higher. It’s worth discussing with your lender before listing.

4. Repairs, Staging, and Preparation Costs

While not mandatory, many sellers choose to invest in preparing their home for market. This can include:
- Minor repairs or touch-ups: paint, light fixtures, flooring repairs
- Professional cleaning: $200 – $400
- Staging: $1,500 – $5,000+ depending on home size and scope

5. Adjustments for Property Taxes and Utilities

On the closing date, your lawyer or notary will calculate adjustments so that you pay only your share of certain ongoing costs up to (and including) possession day. These can include:
- Annual Property Taxes – You’ll pay the portion covering the time you owned the home during the calendar year. If you’ve already paid for the full year, the buyer will reimburse you for their share.
- Monthly Utility Costs – Things like electricity, gas, water, and sewer will be prorated so you only cover the days you lived in the home before the sale closed.

6. Moving Costs

Moving expenses vary depending on whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself. Expect anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

7. GST on Commission

In BC, commissions are subject to 5% GST, which will be included in your lawyer’s final calculation.

The Bottom Line

Every home sale is unique, but for most sellers in Kelowna, the biggest expenses are real estate commission, legal fees, and any mortgage-related charges.By understanding these costs up front — and knowing exactly what’s covered in your REALTOR®’s fee — you can make informed decisions and sell with confidence.If you’d like to get the full breakdown in an easy-to-read, printable format, click the link below to download your free guide: