Be Prepared for the Hidden Closing Costs You’ll Pay For Your New Home

Mar 21, 2023

Mortgage calculators only show you part of the fees

Almost every time I sell a home to buyers taking out a mortgage, I see raised eyebrows and hear exclamations like "Wow!" or "What?!" when they see the net sheet from their lender that lays out what are called "closing costs."


These exclamations are usually also accompanied by statements like, "This isn't what the mortgage calculator said?!"


If you're using a mortgage calculator to see what you will be paying, just know that most of them never show you what you'll pay in fees to purchase the home.


Sometimes, these extra costs can be signifiant, so read on to find out how you can avoid the "sticker shock" when financing your next home.


So What are Closing Costs, Anyway?


Closing costs are the additional costs that are incurred when buying a home. They are typically not included in the home's purchase price and are paid at the end of the process. 


Almost no mortgage calculator out there shows you estimates of these costs.


Closing costs typically include appraisal fees, attorney fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and other miscellaneous charges. These fees can vary significantly from one house to the next and are typically calculated as a percentage of the home's purchase price. 


Average closing costs for a home purchase in the United States range from 2-5% of the purchase price. The exact closing costs will vary depending on factors, such as the purchase price, the lender, and the type of loan. 


How to Estimate Your Closing Costs


There are a few calculators out there that will show you what mortgage calculators don't. The best one I've found is provided by home insurance company and can be accessed at:


https://www.amfam.com/resources/tools/hidden-cost-calculator 


All you have to do is pop in your estimated loan information, such as loan term, down payment, purchase price, and the zip code of the home. What you get back is an estimate of the money you'll need to bring to the closing table.


sample output of a closing costs calculator image


The calculator further breaks down your closing costs into each individual fee to show you what exactly you're paying for. Simply expand each section to see each cost itemized for you,


sample output of a closing cost calculator image 2

Understanding the Different Types of Closing Costs 


To explain what closing costs are in a bit more detail,  here's a breakdown of the fees into categories of cost: 


1. Lender Fees 

Lender fees include the costs associated with obtaining a loan, such as origination, application, and processing fees. These fees are usually paid directly to the lender. 


2. Title and Escrow Fees 

Title and escrow fees cover transferring the property’s title from the seller to the buyer. This includes title searches, title insurance, and title closings. 


3. Appraisal Fees 

Appraisal fees cover the cost of a professional appraisal of the home. This is usually done to ensure the house is worth the purchase price. 


4. Taxes 

Closing costs will also include taxes, such as transfer taxes, typically paid by the buyer. 


5. Miscellaneous Fees 

Miscellaneous fees include home inspections, credit reports, and other various fees. 


You can see all of these costs for any home you're considering buying - and what you're likely to pay for each - outlined in the free online calculator.



How to Reduce Closing Costs


Closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to understand how to reduce them. 


1. Shop Around 

Shopping around for the best deals on closing costs can help you save money. Be sure to compare fees and costs from different lenders, title companies, and other vendors to get the best deal. 


2. Negotiate

It’s also a good idea to negotiate the closing costs. For example, you can ask the seller to pay for some closing costs or split them with you. 


3. Get a High Loan-to-Value Ratio 

A high loan-to-value ratio (LTV) means you borrow a lower percentage of the purchase price. This can help reduce closing costs, as lenders typically charge a lower interest rate for loans with a high LTV. 


4. Pay Your Own Closing Costs

If you have the cash to do so, you can pay your own closing costs. This can save you money, as lenders often offer a lower interest rate if you are willing to pay your closing costs. 


5. Ask for a Rate Lock

 If you are getting a loan, you can ask your lender to lock in a low-interest rate for a certain period of time. This will help protect you against any potential rate increases during the closing process. 


Conclusion 


Closing costs are the additional costs associated with buying a home. They can vary significantly from one house to the next and range from 2-5% of the purchase price. 


Closing costs typically include lender fees, title and escrow fees, appraisal fees, taxes, and miscellaneous fees. 


Understanding how to reduce closing costs is essential, such as shopping around for the best deals, negotiating, getting a high loan-to-value ratio, and paying your own closing costs.


Thinking of buying?


Reach out to me today and I'll guide you through the entire process, from finding the right lender to getting the seller to potentially cover all or part of your closing costs! Discover a new level of service with Huntsville Homes Realty.


Let's talk!
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12 Jun, 2023
I'll give you two good reasons why Huntsville is a great choice for your home.
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