Short answer: Closing costs for a seller in NJ are mainly the state’s Realty Transfer Fee, the seller-paid “mansion tax” on sales over $1 million, your attorney’s fee, a few title and payoff charges, and prorated property taxes. Real estate commission, which is negotiable, is usually the largest separate cost.
Here is what each cost is, followed by worked examples at three common Morris County prices.
The Realty Transfer Fee (RTF)
New Jersey charges sellers a Realty Transfer Fee when the deed is recorded. It is a sliding scale per $500 of sale price. For sales over $350,000, the standard rates are:
| Portion of the sale price | Rate per $500 |
|---|---|
| First $150,000 | $2.90 |
| $150,000 to $200,000 | $4.25 |
| $200,000 to $550,000 | $4.80 |
| $550,000 to $850,000 | $5.30 |
| $850,000 to $1,000,000 | $5.80 |
| Above $1,000,000 | $6.05 |
Sellers who are 62 or older, blind or disabled may qualify for reduced rates if they file a notarized RTF-1 with the deed. Estates and trusts cannot use the reduced rate.
The “mansion tax” (Graduated Percent Fee)
Since July 10, 2025, sellers pay this fee on sales over $1 million. It starts at 1% and rises to 3.5% above $3.5 million, applied to the whole price. See our full guide to the NJ mansion tax for sellers.
Worked examples (standard rates)
| Sale price | Realty Transfer Fee | Mansion tax | Total state fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600,000 | $5,185 | $0 | $5,185 |
| $900,000 | $8,415 | $0 | $8,415 |
| $1,200,000 | $11,995 | $12,000 | $23,995 |
At $1.2 million, the seller’s state fees roughly double compared with a sale just under $1 million. That threshold matters in towns where values sit near $1 million.
Other seller costs to budget for
- Attorney fee. Most NJ sellers hire a real estate attorney. Fees vary by firm and deal complexity, so ask for a quote up front.
- Mortgage payoff. Your lender’s payoff statement includes daily interest through the payoff date.
- Title and recording charges. Small fees for the mortgage discharge, recording, notary and wire.
- Property taxes. You owe taxes through the closing date, prorated against what you have already paid. Learn more about how NJ property taxes work.
- The New Jersey smoke cert. Your town’s fire official must inspect before closing. See our New Jersey smoke cert guide.
- Commission. Agent commissions are fully negotiable. Our guide to realtor fees in NJ explains how they work after the 2024 rule changes.
- Moving out of state? Nonresident sellers may owe an estimated income tax payment at closing. See selling a house in NJ and moving out of state.
How to keep more at closing
The biggest lever is the sale price itself. Accurate pricing, good preparation and strong marketing usually outweigh small differences in fees. Start with what your home is worth in Morris County.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and can vary by town, so confirm details with your attorney, accountant or the agency named before you act.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs for a seller in NJ?
State fees alone are about $5,185 on a $600,000 sale and $8,415 on a $900,000 sale at standard rates. Add attorney fees, payoff charges, prorated taxes and commission.
Who pays the realty transfer fee in New Jersey?
The seller pays the Realty Transfer Fee.
Do seniors pay a lower realty transfer fee?
Sellers 62 or older, and blind or disabled sellers, may qualify for reduced rates by filing Form RTF-1 with the deed.
Does the seller pay the mansion tax in NJ?
Yes. Since July 10, 2025, the seller pays the Graduated Percent Fee on sales over $1 million.
Sources
- NJ Division of Taxation: Realty Transfer Fee FAQs
- NJ Division of Taxation: Graduated Percent Fee notice
Talk to the MorrisAgent Team
Want a net sheet showing what you would walk away with? Call (973) 200-4800, email [email protected], or stop by our office at 518 Main Street, Suite 102, Boonton. No pressure, and no surprises.