Closing Costs Calculator

Closing costs catch many buyers and sellers off guard. This calculator estimates both buyer and seller closing costs based on your home price and loan amount, breaking down every line item so you know exactly what to expect at the closing table.

Home details

Home price / sale price

Down payment %

Interest rate

Loan amount auto-derives from home price minus down payment: $320,000

Itemized cost assumptions

Loan origination

Lender title insurance

Appraisal fee

Escrow / settlement fee

Recording fee

Detailed mode adds 6 more inputs including advanced assumptions.

Your results

Estimated buyer closing costs: $11,688

approximately 2.9% of your $400,000 purchase

Your estimated closing costs are on the lower end. Verify against your Loan Estimate when you receive it; first-time-buyer programs sometimes reduce these costs further.

Lender fees

$4,088

What the lender charges to process and approve your loan.

Third-party services

$6,600

Independent services required for the transaction.

Government and recording

$1,000

State and local taxes on the property transfer.

Buyer closing costs are estimated as a percentage of the loan amount or home price depending on the fee type. Loan origination fees are typically 0.5–1% of the loan amount. Title insurance varies by state but averages 0.5% of the loan for the lender policy and 0.35% of the home price for the owner policy. Escrow and settlement fees average $400–$800. Recording fees are typically $100–$250. Prepaid interest covers the days between closing and your first payment. Prepaid insurance covers the first year upfront. Seller closing costs are dominated by agent commissions, which average 5–6% of the sale price nationally. Transfer taxes and title transfer fees vary significantly by state. Seller concessions are negotiated and can range from 0–6%. All estimates are national averages. Actual costs vary significantly by state, lender, and negotiation. Some fees (like transfer taxes and recording fees) are governed by local law. Always request a Loan Estimate from your lender for accurate figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer closing costs typically range from 2–5% of the home price. On a $400,000 home, expect to pay $8,000–$20,000 at closing. The largest items are usually the loan origination fee, title insurance, and prepaid escrow items.

Seller closing costs typically range from 6–10% of the sale price. The largest single expense is usually the real estate agent commission, which averages 5–6% nationally. Transfer taxes and title fees add another 0.5–1%.

Some lenders allow you to roll closing costs into the loan amount, which increases your principal and monthly payment. Alternatively, you can accept a slightly higher interest rate in exchange for lender credits that cover some or all closing costs.

A Loan Estimate is a standardized three-page document lenders must provide within three business days of receiving your mortgage application. It itemizes all estimated closing costs, your interest rate, monthly payment, and cash needed at closing.

Some closing costs are fixed (government fees, recording costs) but many are negotiable. You can shop for your own title company in most states, negotiate the origination fee, and ask the seller to cover some costs via concessions.

Lender's title insurance is required by almost all lenders and protects the lender against title defects. Owner's title insurance is optional but recommended; it protects you against claims against your ownership that arose before your purchase.

Math methodology last reviewed by Barron Hansen on May 3, 2026

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