Definition of "Closing costs"

- What are the closing costs?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses paid during Closing. They are not included in the final purchase price of the property.

- How much are the closing costs?

Normally, the closing fees are somewhere between 2 to 5 percent of the final purchase price of the property.

- What is included in the closing costs?

That varies from state to state, the type of property in question and the type of loan the bank gave to the home buyer. But here is a list of expenses typically included:

Application fee
Appraisal
Credit report
Escrow fee
Home Owner Association’s Transfer Fee
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

And many more…

- Who pays the closing costs?

Typically the home buyer, but you can try to negotiate with the Home Seller. Some Home Sellers do accept to share or even assume this burden, most of the times deducting it from the final purchase price of the property. That's why Understanding the Housing Market on your Own is important. If you're in a Buyer's Market, a Home Seller will likely cede in order to sell his house once and for all.

 

Real Estate tips:

Take a look at our Glossary to find other terms and kick your real estate vocabulary up to a new level!

Also search through The Official Real Estate Agent Directory® to find a trustworthy agent to help you in all stages of a home sale.

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

Significant information that if disclosed would affect an individual's decision. For example, a buyer would probably not enter into a contract with a seller of real property if it was known ...

A written contract of a group of property owners, typically condominium owners, describing their joint ownership obligations and rights. The association agreement usually allows members to ...

Raw land in its natural condition which has in no way been improved. ...

As a suburban nation with the majority of Americans living in the suburbs, the actual classification of suburbs had long been expected. Still, recently, three academic approaches for ...

The down payment on the price of a real estate. For example, it is customary to make a down payment of 10% of the value of a real estate parcel upon signing the purchase agreement. ...

Just to be clear: an Open house is not when you invite friends over to meet your new house. At least not in the real estate world.When you hear someone talking about an Open House, they ...

The government under emminent domain takes Way to determine how much to pay an owner whose property before-and-after method. ...

The concept of a release can define various meanings in the financial and real estate business. Typically, it establishes a discharge or literal escape from a loan borrower's economic ...

The tenant is forced to leave the premises if he complains about the poor condition of the apartment or office space he has leased. This type of eviction is illegal in many states. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions