Closing Cost Calculator 2026

Estimate buyer or seller closing costs with itemized breakdowns by state.

Property Details

$

Estimated Buyer Closing Costs

$10,145

2.5% of home price

Down Payment

$80,000

Net Closing Costs

$10,145

Cash to Close

$90,145

Itemized Costs

Lender Fees

Loan Origination Fee$1,600
Appraisal Fee$550
Credit Report$50
Underwriting Fee$800

Title & Escrow

Title Insurance$2,000
Title Search$400
Escrow/Settlement Fee$900

Government & Taxes

Recording Fees$150
Transfer Tax$440

Prepaid Items

Homeowners Insurance (1 year)$1,600
Property Tax (2 months escrow)$800
Prepaid Interest (15 days)$855
Total$10,145

Disclaimer

  • Estimates based on state averages — actual costs vary by lender and county.
  • Real estate commissions are negotiable (NAR settlement changes 2024+).
  • FHA MIP and VA funding fee may be financed into the loan.
  • Get a Loan Estimate from your lender for exact numbers.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are fees paid at the final step of a real estate transaction — when ownership officially transfers. Both buyers and sellers pay closing costs, though the types differ. Buyer costs typically run 2-5% of the home price, while seller costs (dominated by agent commissions) average 6-10%.

Average Closing Costs by State

Closing costs vary significantly by state due to differences in transfer taxes, title insurance regulations, and attorney requirements. High-cost states include New York, Delaware, Washington (high transfer taxes), while states like Indiana, Missouri, and Wyoming tend to have lower costs.

Fee TypeTypical RangePaid By
Loan Origination0.5-1% of loanBuyer
Appraisal$400-$700Buyer
Title Insurance$1,000-$4,000Varies
Transfer Tax0-2% of priceVaries
Agent Commission5-6% of priceSeller
Escrow Fee$500-$2,000Split

How to Reduce Closing Costs

  • Shop lenders — compare Loan Estimates from 3+ lenders; origination fees vary significantly
  • Negotiate seller concessions — ask the seller to cover 2-3% of closing costs (common in buyer's markets)
  • Ask about lender credits — accept a slightly higher rate in exchange for the lender covering closing costs
  • Close at month-end — reduces prepaid interest days
  • Compare title companies — title insurance rates aren't always fixed; shop around

FHA, VA, and USDA Closing Costs

Government-backed loans have specific fees: FHA charges a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium (can be financed), VA charges a funding fee of 2.3% (first use, 0% down), and USDA charges a 1% guarantee fee. VA loans prohibit certain buyer fees, which can lower overall closing costs.

CFPB — Understanding Closing Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can closing costs be rolled into the loan?

For purchases, usually no — you need to pay closing costs at closing. FHA and VA allow rolling their specific fees into the loan. For refinances, you can typically roll closing costs into the new loan balance (a "no-closing-cost refinance"), though you'll pay more in interest over time.

Who pays closing costs — buyer or seller?

Both pay different costs. Buyers typically pay lender fees, appraisal, title insurance (lender's policy), and prepaid items. Sellers typically pay agent commissions, owner's title policy, and transfer taxes. Everything is negotiable.

What is "cash to close"?

Cash to close is the total amount you need to bring to closing day: down payment + buyer closing costs - any earnest money deposit and seller credits. Your lender provides the exact figure on the Closing Disclosure 3 days before closing.

Planning your home purchase? Check our Home Affordability Calculator and Mortgage Calculator.