Which of the following is considered a usual expense of the seller?

The release of an existing lien is considered a usual expense of the seller because it is necessary for the seller to clear any existing debts associated with the property before transferring ownership to the buyer. Liens, which are claims against the property due to unpaid debts, must be resolved so the new owner receives a clear title. This expense is part of the seller's obligations during the closing process to ensure the buyer is not inheriting any financial burdens tied to the property.

In contrast, appraisal fees are typically associated with providing the buyer or lender with an estimate of the property's value, and these costs might not always be borne by the seller. A VA loan funding fee is a charge required for VA loans and primarily falls on the buyer, not the seller. Lastly, copies of easements and restrictions generally pertain to property disclosures and could be provided by either party depending on the circumstances, but they are not a standard cost typically incurred by the seller.