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What Is a Net Sheet in Real Estate—and Why You’ll Be Glad You Have One

  • Writer: Debora Sanders
    Debora Sanders
  • Jul 1
  • 2 min read
Selling a home isn’t just about the final sale price—it’s about what you actually walk away with. That’s where a Net Sheet comes in.

What Is a Net Sheet?

A Net Sheet is a document—usually prepared by your real estate agent or title company—that estimates how much money you’ll take home after selling your property. It subtracts all the typical selling costs from your expected sale price, including:
  • Realtor commissions (both listing and buyer’s agent)
  • Closing costs (title insurance, escrow fees, etc.)
  • Outstanding mortgage balance
  • Property taxes and prorations
  • Seller concessions or repair credits
It’s not a legal document, but it’s a powerful planning tool.
Why It’s Good to Have

Think of a Net Sheet as your financial roadmap through the selling process. It helps you:

  • Set realistic expectations about your proceeds
  • Compare offers based on what you’ll actually net—not just the top-line price
  • Plan your next move, whether it’s buying a new home, paying off debt, or investing
  • Avoid surprises at closing by understanding your costs upfront

How It Helps with Buyer’s Agent Commission

A Net Sheet helps you see the true impact of commission costs relative to your bottom line. It also allows you to evaluate offers more clearly—especially if one buyer is asking the Seller to pay the Buyer's Agent compensation and the other is not. Although Buyer A may not ask the Seller to pay the Buyer's Agent compensation, Buyer B may offer a higher sales price to offset a request for Seller to pay Buyer Agent compensation. Ultimately, it might produce a higher net result You’ll know exactly how those requests affect your net proceeds and you can better understand the bottom line. 

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Sotheby's International Realty
3775 Via Nona Marie Suite 100, Carmel CA 93923
831-620-2936

License: DRE#01966114

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Debora Sanders is a real estate salesperson licensed by the state of California affiliated with Sotheby's International Realty. Sotheby's International Realty is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

*All Rights Reserved*

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