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

The company is not responsible to a third party if an account or financial instrument is dishonored by the debtor. The creditor's recourse is solely to the debtor's property. An example is ...

An insurance policy indemnifying a property owner up to the limits of the policy against fire or other hazard requiring the total destruction and removal of the structure. ...

Real property that is without any obligations, liens, or anything else against it. It is free and clear such as a house without mortgage. ...

Architectural style featuring a long low roof line with a continuous row of windows and a plain exterior. It is very open design with long horizontal lines rather than having small secluded ...

Legal action under eminent domain where the government takes ownership of privately held real estate for public use (parks or schools for example) irrespective of the owners wishes. The ...

Tax concept whereby income not actually received is considered to be constructively received by a taxpayer and thus must be reported. ...

Projecting what the total cost would be to construct a structure. Costs include material, labor, and lawyers' fees. ...

Municipal ordinance stating the distance from a curb or property line where the building of a structure is prohibited. Also states the distances from a boundary line where construction is ...

See clapboard. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions