Buyer and seller closing fees, itemized by state. Know your real costs before you close.
With home prices elevated in most markets, closing costs are higher in absolute terms in 2026. Buyers typically pay 2–5% of the loan amount; sellers typically pay 6–10% of the sale price (including commissions). State transfer taxes, attorney requirements, and title insurance practices vary significantly — our calculator applies state-specific rules for all 50 states.
Closing costs are fees paid at the final stage of a real estate transaction — the "closing" — when ownership legally transfers from seller to buyer. Both parties typically pay closing costs, though the amounts and specific fees differ significantly. Understanding your full cost picture is essential before entering any real estate transaction.
Buyers face a mix of lender fees, third-party fees, and prepaid items. The most significant costs are:
Loan origination fee (0.5–1%)
The lender's charge for processing your mortgage. Negotiable, especially if you accept a slightly higher rate.
Appraisal fee ($500–$900)
Required by lenders to verify property value. FHA and VA have specific appraisal requirements.
Title insurance — lender's policy (0.5–1% of loan)
Protects the lender from title defects. Required by all mortgage lenders.
Title insurance — owner's policy (optional but recommended)
Protects you from pre-existing title claims. One-time premium.
Prepaid interest
Interest from closing date to end of month. Closing late in the month reduces this cost.
Escrow setup / impounds
2–3 months of property taxes and insurance deposited into your escrow account.
Transfer taxes
Vary by state and sometimes municipality. Buyer pays in some states, seller in others, both in some.
Sellers typically pay the largest single closing cost — the real estate commission — plus several other fees. Post-2024 NAR settlement changes have made buyer's agent compensation more negotiable, giving sellers more flexibility in some markets.
Buyer Closing Costs:
Seller Closing Costs:
Consult a licensed real estate agent for an accurate seller net sheet specific to your transaction and market.
Select your state for a detailed breakdown of transfer taxes, attorney requirements, title insurance practices, and typical closing cost ranges.
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Buyers typically pay 2–5% of the loan amount in closing costs. On a $400,000 home with a $360,000 mortgage, expect $7,200–$18,000 in closing costs. These include loan origination fees (0.5–1%), appraisal ($500–$900), title insurance, prepaid interest, escrow setup, and recording fees. Closing costs are higher in attorney states and states with high transfer taxes. Consult a licensed real estate agent and mortgage lender for an accurate cost estimate.
Sellers typically pay 6–10% of the sale price, with real estate agent commissions (typically 4–6% total) being the largest expense. Other seller costs include title insurance, transfer taxes, recording fees, and attorney fees in some states. On a $400,000 home, a seller might pay $24,000–$40,000 in total closing costs and commissions. A licensed real estate agent can prepare an accurate seller net sheet for your specific transaction.
Yes, several closing costs are negotiable. You can shop for lower title insurance rates, negotiate lender origination fees (often by accepting a slightly higher rate), and ask the seller to pay some of your closing costs (seller concessions). Seller concessions are most common in buyer's markets. Lenders are required to provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of your application so you can compare costs.
States with the highest real estate transfer taxes include: Pennsylvania (2% combined state/local), Delaware (4% combined), New York (1.4%+ with mansion tax on luxury properties), Washington DC (2.2%), and Connecticut (1.25%+). Florida, Texas, and several other states have no state-level transfer taxes. Transfer taxes can be a significant cost — on a $500,000 home in PA, that's $10,000 in transfer taxes alone.
In about 20 states (including New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, South Carolina, and others), real estate closings must be conducted by a licensed attorney rather than a title company. Attorney closing fees typically run $500–$1,500 per transaction. If you're buying or selling in an attorney state, budget for this additional cost. A licensed real estate agent familiar with your market can recommend qualified closing attorneys.
Disclaimer: Closing cost estimates are based on typical industry rates and may not reflect your specific transaction. Actual costs vary by lender, title company, county, and negotiation. Transfer tax rates and attorney requirements reflect general state law but local rules may vary. Always review your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure carefully. Consult a licensed real estate agent and real estate attorney before making major real estate decisions.