Closing Costs Calculator
Last Updated:
Estimate total closing costs for a US home purchase — lender fees, title, escrow, prepaids, and commission. Every line item explained.
Lender Fees
Title & Settlement
Prepaids & Escrow Deposits
Agent Commission (optional)
Estimated Total Closing Costs
$0
📐 Closing Cost Formula
Loan Amount = Purchase Price × (1 − Down Payment %)
Origination Fee = Loan Amount × Origination %
Prepaid Interest = (Loan × Rate%) / 365 × Days
Escrow Deposit = (Insurance + Property Tax) / 12 × Reserve Months
Total = Lender Fees + Title/Settlement + Prepaids + Commission
Cash to Close = Down Payment + Total Closing Costs
What Are Closing Costs When Buying a House?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses paid at the settlement of a real estate transaction — the final step when ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer. For buyers, these costs are separate from and in addition to your down payment. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, meaning a $400,000 home purchase can require $8,000–$20,000 in closing costs beyond your down payment.
Buyer vs. Seller Closing Costs
Buyers pay lender fees, title insurance (buyer's policy), escrow deposits, and prepaids. Sellers typically pay the real estate agent commissions (historically 5–6% of sale price, though this has changed post-NAR settlement in 2024) and their share of prorated property taxes. Sellers may also pay transfer taxes depending on the state.
How to Reduce Closing Costs
Shop multiple lenders — origination fees, discount points, and lender credits vary widely. Negotiate seller concessions as part of your offer (sellers can pay up to 3–6% of purchase price in concessions depending on loan type). Ask about a "no-closing-cost" mortgage, where the lender covers closing costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate (typically 0.125–0.375% higher).
Closing Costs by State — High vs. Low
States with the highest closing costs include New York (average 3.1% of purchase price), Pennsylvania (2.9%), and Connecticut (2.7%). States with the lowest include Indiana (0.9%), Missouri (1.0%), and Iowa (1.0%). The difference is driven by transfer taxes, attorney requirements, and local government recording fees.
How to Use the Closing Costs Calculator
Enter the home purchase price
The purchase price is the base for percentage-based costs: lender origination fees (0.5–1%), title insurance (0.5–1%), and agent commissions (typically 2.5–3% per side).
Enter loan amount and rate
Input the financed amount and interest rate to calculate prepaid interest (per-diem interest from closing day to end of month) and establish the escrow deposit amounts.
Select buyer or seller view
Toggle between buyer and seller closing costs. Buyers pay lender fees, title insurance, and prepaid items. Sellers typically pay agent commissions, transfer taxes, and outstanding liens.
Compare against your Loan Estimate
Your lender is required to issue a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application — this document itemises all expected closing costs. Use it alongside this calculator to verify each line item.
Sources & Methodology
Calculations are based on the most current publicly available data from authoritative government and industry sources: