Definition of "Gross Sales Price"

Jo Ellyn Yturraspe real estate agent

Written by

Jo Ellyn Yturraspeelite badge icon

Coldwell Banker Realty

The definition of gross sales price in real estate refers to the combined cost of a property or listing before subtracting the real estate agent’s commission, sales tax and other auxiliary fees. In short, it is the price, in its entirety, that the buyer must pay in order to purchase the property. This differs from net sales price, the amount that the seller takes away from the transaction. 

In the following section, we will provide an example of the use of gross sales price as opposed to net sales price. 

Example of gross sales price 

Steve is an ambitious real estate investor who makes his living flipping homes on the housing market of several cities around the country. With nearly a decade of experience, Steve has little difficulty making a tidy profit off of each home he invests in. Upon finding a run down but structurally sound two story home for sale in a rapidly growing neighborhood, Steve doesn’t hesitate to quickly snatch it up. 

However, bad fortune awaits Steve in his home flipping enterprises. With a severe market downturn occurring almost overnight in the area the home is located in, the value of the home plummets before it is fully renovated and prepared for sale. Desperately trying to break even, Steve does everything possible to expedite the renovation process and posts it for sale as soon as it is complete. 

Market downturn notwithstanding, Steve is able to find a buyer willing to pay an amount that would seemingly allow Steve to break even. However, being an experienced real estate investor, Steve is painfully aware of the difference between net sales price and gross sales price. 


With the housing market in a slump, Steve is forced to sustain a net loss on his investment, after all the auxiliary costs contributing to the gross sales price are subtracted from the amount paid by the buyer. This is an example of gross sales price in real estate.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Window designed in an alcove extending outside the structure. A bay window makes the home look more attractive and adds light, as well as providing a better view. ...

Parcel of land that is totally surrounded by other land parcels not providing access to a highway. ...

For the definition of affirmative action, we can say it is a type of policy through which individuals that pertain to an underrepresented part of society get increased opportunities to ...

method of land description that identifies a parcel by specifying its shape and boundaries. ...

Eight-by-four sheet of material attached to a wall's studs. It can be made attractive by wallpapering or painting. ...

Person receiving la legacy from a will. Normally a legatee will receive personal property possibly including real property. ...

Type of ownership by husband and wife, recognized in 27 states, in which the rights of the deceased spouse pass to the survivor. It is the same as joint tenancy, except that one spouse ...

Also called price control or rental control. A controlled or administered price that is set for property by a federal or local agency typically in extraordinary circumstances. ...

First right of a party, usually a creditor, to hold, keep possession of, or control the property of another to pay a debt, duty, or obligation. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions