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Closing Costs

Moneyzine Editor
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Moneyzine Editor
1 mins
September 25th, 2023
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Definition

Also referred to as settlement costs, the fees and other monies due at the time of a home's purchase are known as closing costs. These costs would not include the purchase price of the home, but those expenses associated with the legal transfer of the property and securing a loan.

Prior to a real estate closing, the lender or mortgage company will develop a "good faith estimate" of all costs.

Explanation

The settlement statement includes a summary of the money due and paid for by both the borrower and seller. This good faith estimate will contain categories of costs due at the closing, including:

  • Lender Fees: Origination fees, mortgage points, document preparation fees, overnight mailing services, and administrative costs.

  • Third Party Fees: Title search fees, title insurance, flood certification, surveying costs.

  • Attorney Fees: Document preparation, participation in meetings, standard fees to prepare documentation for a closing.

  • Government Fees: Recording of deeds, state and local mortgage taxes.

  • Escrow Account and Interest: Homeowner's insurance, real estate taxes held in escrow, private mortgage insurance, mortgage interest due up to the last day of the month.

  • Mortgage Points: Prepayment of interest on a loan, where one point is equal to one percent of the mortgage or loan.

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