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

Typically, a general contractor or GC in the real estate industry defines a person who signs a contract with a property owner or developer. Thus, they assume full responsibility for ...

The term adjacent property, naturally, refers to a property’s position regarding other properties close to it. The adjacent property meaning is different from the term adjoining ...

Borrower's right to cancel, within three business days, a creditor contract in which his or her residence is used as collateral. This right does not apply to first mortgage loans. ...

Style of life emphasizing outdoor activities, amenities, and recreation. Example are campers and barbecues. It is usually on a short-term basis. ...

fee for the cost of a loan including interest and points. Points (1 point= 1% of the total loan) are advance charges for a mortgage, whereas interest in charge over the life of the ...

The land-to-building ratio is a means to calculate in percentage how much a structure occupies the total land parcel on which it is located. It is the total building area as a percentage of ...

To pass property by will to an heir. Strictly speaking, real estate cannot be bequeathed to an heir, it must be devised. However, if it becomes clear the purpose of the testator was to ...

Partnership agreement where the parties consent to purchase the interest of those leaving the partnership while those leaving similarly consent to sell their interests to agreement for a ...

To confirm, ratify, verify, and accept a transaction that can be canceled. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions