A Palmdale or Lancaster seller typically nets the sale price minus: agent commissions (negotiable), the LA County documentary transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of price (neither Palmdale nor Lancaster adds a city transfer tax), seller's escrow fee (roughly $1 to $2 per $1,000 plus a base fee), owner's title policy (roughly $1,500 to $2,500 on a typical AV home), prorated property taxes and HOA, any seller credits to the buyer, natural hazard disclosure and home warranty if offered, and the mortgage payoff. Beyond Estates gives you a written net sheet before you list. Call (661) 441-3706.
The lines
| Item | Typical cost (AV, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Listing and buyer agent commissions | Negotiable; set in your listing agreement. Sellers pay the standard rate with Beyond Estates and get Showcase, media, movers and storage included. |
| LA County documentary transfer tax | $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price ($495 on $450,000). Kern County (Rosamond, Tehachapi): same $1.10 rate. |
| City transfer tax | None in Palmdale or Lancaster (unlike LA city). |
| Escrow fee (seller side) | About $1,000 to $2,000 depending on price and company. |
| Owner's title insurance policy | About $1,500 to $2,500 on a $400,000 to $600,000 home (customarily seller-paid in LA County). |
| Natural Hazard Disclosure report | $75 to $125 |
| Home warranty for buyer (optional) | $500 to $700 |
| Prorated property tax, HOA, utilities | Varies; credits or debits to the day of closing |
| Seller credit to buyer closing costs | Negotiated; commonly $0 to 3% in the AV |
| Repairs or credits from inspection | Negotiated |
| Mortgage and HELOC payoff | Your balance plus per-diem interest |
| Recording, courier, notary | $200 to $400 |
Worked example: $475,000 sale in Palmdale
Transfer tax $523, escrow about $1,400, title about $1,800, NHD $100, misc $300, plus commissions as agreed, plus any buyer credit, minus prorations. Before commissions and credits, non-commission seller costs usually land around 1% of price in the AV.
Capital gains
If the home was your primary residence 2 of the last 5 years, up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 married) is excluded from federal tax. California follows. Above that, or on rentals, talk to a CPA before you list; a 1031 exchange may apply to investment property.
Last updated 2026-10-20 · About Charly · (661) 441-3706
Related
Frequently asked questions
Who pays transfer tax in Los Angeles County?
Customarily the seller pays the county documentary transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000. Palmdale and Lancaster have no additional city transfer tax.
Who pays for title insurance in Palmdale?
In LA County the seller customarily pays for the owner's title policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy.
How much are closing costs for a seller in California?
Excluding commissions and buyer credits, roughly 1% of the sale price in the Antelope Valley; commissions and credits are negotiated per deal.
Talk to the #1 team in the Antelope Valley
Call or text. We answer 7 days a week, in English, Spanish or Arabic.
Charly Daoud, Team Leader · CA DRE #02023368
3001 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
Call or text (661) 441-3706 · charly.daoud@exprealty.com
Offices: Antelope Valley · San Fernando Valley · Bakersfield · Central Valley