Closing Cost Calculator

Buyers budget for the down payment and are surprised by closing costs, which commonly run 2–5% of the purchase price on top of it. The components are predictable even though the amounts vary by state: lender charges, title and settlement, prepaid taxes and insurance, and transfer taxes.

This builds the cash-to-close figure from those parts so you can compare it against the Loan Estimate you were given.

Compare this against your Loan Estimate

The Loan Estimate arrives within three business days of application and uses a fixed format so lenders can be compared line by line. Then the Closing Disclosure arrives at least three business days before closing.

Some charges may increase between those two documents and some may not. Charges for services you could not shop for, and the lender's own fees, are generally held to a strict tolerance; services you chose from outside the lender's list are treated differently. If a number moved, ask which tolerance category it sits in and why.

Reducing cash to close

• Seller concessions. Negotiated as part of the offer, capped by loan type.
• Lender credits. A slightly higher rate in exchange for the lender covering costs. Run the points calculator to see the trade.
• Shop title and settlement. On the services you are allowed to choose, quotes differ more than most buyers expect.