Closing Cost Calculator

What closing costs include — line by line

On a $400,000 purchase with a $320,000 loan, expect roughly $11,300 in total closing costs (~2.8% of the price). They fall into three buckets:

• Lender charges — origination (0.5–1% of the loan), application, processing and underwriting. These are negotiable and vary the most between lenders.
• Third-party services — appraisal (~$425), credit report, title search and title insurance (~0.4% of price), attorney or settlement fees, recording charges.
• Prepaids and escrow — not really 'costs' but cash required upfront: a year of homeowners insurance, several months of property taxes, and daily interest to month-end.

How to pay less

1. Compare Loan Estimates. Federal law requires one within 3 business days of applying, and 'tolerance' rules cap how much listed fees can grow. Differences of $2,000+ between lenders are common.
2. Ask for seller credits. In slower markets sellers often cover 1–3% of the price toward your costs.
3. Consider a lender credit. Accepting a slightly higher rate can earn a credit that wipes out most fees — good if you may move or refinance within a few years. The comparison calculator shows when that trade wins.
4. Close late in the month to reduce prepaid daily interest.

Total cash to close = down payment + closing costs − credits and earnest money. Run your down payment and this estimate together, then verify the monthly payment in the payment calculator before making an offer.