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Closing Cost Calculator

Estimate buyer and seller closing costs by state. See exactly what you'll pay at the closing table.

$400,000

Estimated Buyer Closing Costs

$8,275

2.1% of home price

Loan Origination Fee (0.5%)$2,000
Appraisal$450
Home Inspection$400
Title Insurance$2,000
Title Search$200
Recording Fees$125
Prepaid Property Tax (3 months)$1,100
Prepaid Insurance (1 month)$300
Escrow Fees$500
Transfer Tax (National Average)$1,200

Sellers: Cut Staging Costs to Almost Zero

Traditional staging costs $2,000-5,000 — a major closing cost. Virtual staging delivers the same results for $0.10/photo.

Before
Before: original empty room
After
After: AI virtually staged room

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are fees and expenses paid when finalizing a real estate transaction. Both buyers and sellers incur closing costs, though the amounts and types differ significantly.

Buyer Closing Costs (2-5%)

  • Loan origination and processing fees
  • Home appraisal ($300-$600)
  • Home inspection ($300-$500)
  • Title search and insurance
  • Prepaid property taxes and insurance
  • Escrow/settlement fees
  • Recording fees

Seller Closing Costs (6-10%)

  • Agent commissions (5-6%)
  • Title insurance (seller's policy)
  • Transfer taxes (varies by state)
  • Outstanding liens and payoffs
  • Prorations (utilities, HOA dues)
  • Home warranty (if offered)
  • Staging and repairs

5 Ways to Reduce Closing Costs

1

Shop Multiple Lenders

Get Loan Estimates from at least 3 lenders. Origination fees, discount points, and rates vary significantly.

2

Negotiate Agent Commission

Agent commissions are negotiable. Full-service agents may offer reduced rates for repeat clients or dual-agency situations.

3

Ask for Seller Concessions

Buyers can negotiate for the seller to cover a portion of closing costs. Common in buyer's markets and for motivated sellers.

4

Use Virtual Staging Instead of Physical

Sellers can save $2,000-5,000 by using AI virtual staging ($0.10/photo) instead of traditional physical staging. Same marketing impact at 99.99% less cost.

5

Close at End of Month

Closing late in the month reduces prepaid interest charges. This can save buyers $500-$1,500 on a typical home purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are closing costs for buyers?

Buyer closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home price. On a $400,000 home, expect $8,000-$20,000 in closing costs including lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, inspection, prepaid taxes, and insurance escrow.

How much are closing costs for sellers?

Seller closing costs typically range from 6-10% of the sale price, with the majority being agent commissions (typically 5-6%). Other seller costs include title insurance, transfer taxes, recording fees, and prorations.

Can I negotiate closing costs?

Yes. Buyers can negotiate lender fees, shop title companies, and ask sellers for closing cost credits. Sellers can negotiate agent commission rates and shop for title insurance. Shopping around can save thousands.

Who pays transfer taxes — buyer or seller?

Transfer tax responsibility varies by state and is often negotiable. In many states, the seller traditionally pays transfer taxes, but in others (like NH and DE), the buyer pays. Some states split the cost. Check our state-specific closing cost guides for details.

Can closing costs be rolled into the mortgage?

Some closing costs can be financed through a slightly higher interest rate (lender credits) or by asking the seller for closing cost concessions. VA and USDA loans may allow rolling certain costs into the loan. FHA loans allow sellers to contribute up to 6% toward buyer closing costs.