Selling a home can be exciting, but it also comes with a critical question: “How much money will I actually take home after the sale?”
Between mortgage payoffs, closing costs, and other fees, your final proceeds may look very different from the property’s sale price.
That’s where our Zillow Proceeds Calculator comes in. This free online tool helps you instantly estimate the amount you’ll walk away with after selling your home. Whether you’re planning your next move, deciding whether to list your property, or simply curious about your potential equity, this calculator offers quick, accurate insights without the guesswork.
Zillow Proceeds Calculator
What Is the Zillow Proceeds Calculator?
The Zillow Proceeds Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool designed to give homeowners a realistic estimate of their net proceeds from selling a property. Instead of just focusing on the sale price, it factors in:
- Mortgage balance – What you still owe on your home loan.
- Closing costs – The fees associated with finalizing the sale (expressed as a percentage of the sale price).
- Sale price – The price at which you expect to sell your property.
By entering these three values, you’ll get an immediate calculation of your expected take-home amount.
Why Knowing Your Proceeds Matters
Understanding your proceeds before you sell helps you:
- Set realistic expectations about your finances after the sale.
- Plan your next purchase or relocation budget with confidence.
- Avoid surprises from hidden costs or fees.
- Negotiate better by knowing how different offers affect your bottom line.
How to Use the Zillow Proceeds Calculator (Step-by-Step)
Using the tool is quick and intuitive. Here’s exactly how to get your results:
- Enter the Sale Price
Type in the amount you expect your home to sell for. If you’re unsure, you can use a recent appraisal, Zillow estimate, or comparable sales in your area. - Input Your Mortgage Balance
Enter the remaining amount you owe on your home loan. This is the payoff figure you’ll settle when the home sells. - Add Closing Costs Percentage
Enter the percentage of your sale price you expect to spend on closing costs. Typical U.S. seller closing costs range from 6%–10%, including agent commissions and fees. - Click “Calculate”
The tool will instantly show your Estimated Proceeds in dollars. - Click “Reset” (Optional)
Start fresh if you want to try different scenarios, such as changing the sale price or closing cost percentage.
Practical Example 1 – A Standard Home Sale
Let’s say you expect to sell your home for $350,000.
You still owe $180,000 on your mortgage, and you anticipate 7% closing costs.
- Closing costs: 7% of $350,000 = $24,500
- Sale price minus mortgage balance: $350,000 – $180,000 = $170,000
- Proceeds after closing costs: $170,000 – $24,500 = $145,500
Estimated Proceeds: $145,500
This is the amount you could potentially use for your next down payment, moving expenses, or savings.
Practical Example 2 – Higher Price, Lower Costs
Sale Price: $500,000
Mortgage Balance: $250,000
Closing Costs: 5%
- Closing Costs = $25,000
- Net Before Costs = $250,000
- Final Proceeds = $225,000
With a lower closing cost percentage, you keep more of the sale price.
Extra Insights – Making the Most of Your Home Sale Proceeds
The calculator gives you a quick estimate, but your actual proceeds can be influenced by additional factors:
- Negotiated repairs or credits to the buyer.
- Prepayment penalties on your mortgage.
- Taxes on capital gains if applicable.
- Staging and marketing costs prior to sale.
Tip: Use the calculator to test multiple “what-if” scenarios. For example, adjust the closing cost percentage to see how hiring a discount real estate agent or negotiating commissions could impact your final take-home amount.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are home sale proceeds?
Home sale proceeds are the amount of money you receive after subtracting your remaining mortgage balance and closing costs from the sale price.
2. How accurate is the Zillow Proceeds Calculator?
It provides a solid estimate based on the numbers you enter, but actual proceeds may vary due to additional fees, taxes, or negotiated items.
3. What are typical closing costs for sellers?
In the U.S., seller closing costs usually range between 6%–10% of the home’s sale price.
4. Does this calculator include taxes?
No, it doesn’t automatically include property or capital gains taxes, which vary based on location and your personal situation.
5. Can I use the calculator if I don’t have a mortgage?
Yes. Simply enter “0” in the mortgage balance field to see your estimated proceeds.
6. What if I’m not sure about the closing cost percentage?
You can start with 8% as a general estimate or consult your real estate agent for a more precise figure.
7. Can I use this tool for investment properties?
Absolutely. It works for any property type—residential, rental, or commercial.
8. Does the calculator factor in realtor commissions?
If you include them as part of your closing cost percentage, yes.
9. What’s the difference between gross and net proceeds?
Gross proceeds are the sale price. Net proceeds are what you take home after paying off debts and expenses.
10. Can this help me decide on an asking price?
Yes. You can enter different potential sale prices to see how they impact your net proceeds.
11. How do I know my mortgage balance?
Check your most recent mortgage statement or contact your lender for an exact payoff amount.
12. What if I sell my home for less than my mortgage balance?
You may have a “short sale” situation, where you owe more than your home’s value and will need lender approval.
13. Can I use this calculator for homes outside the U.S.?
Yes, but closing costs and processes vary, so adjust the percentages accordingly.
14. Does this tool store my data?
No, it calculates results in real-time without saving your information.
15. Is this calculator affiliated with Zillow?
No, it’s an independent tool inspired by the concept of Zillow’s home equity estimations.
16. Can closing costs be negotiated?
Yes, many costs—especially agent commissions—can be negotiated to improve your final proceeds.
17. Should I use sale proceeds for my next down payment?
Many sellers do, but you can also allocate funds for moving, renovations, or investments.
18. What’s the best way to increase my net proceeds?
Consider reducing closing costs, paying down your mortgage before selling, and increasing your home’s market value.
19. How often should I update the numbers in the calculator?
Whenever market conditions change, your mortgage balance changes, or you receive a new offer.
20. Can I estimate proceeds before listing my home?
Yes, and it’s one of the smartest steps to take before setting your asking price.