Common Closing Costs

There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes when purchasing a new home. Closing costs is one of those things.  


Closing costs: you may have heard about them on TV. Closing costs are not one set number based on the purchase price; they can include a variety of fees and other charges. Whether this is your first time buying a home, or if you have done this a few times, it is important to have a complete understanding of all the costs associated with purchasing a property. 


Here, the True Concept Title team outlines the five most common closing costs. Keep reading to get a better understanding of what you can expect at closing time. 

A large house with two garage doors and a driveway in front of it.
A large house with two garage doors and a driveway in front of it.

Common Closing Costs When Buying a Home  


During the closing process, homebuyers can expect to pay for some (or all) of the following fees: 


An Appraisal Fee 


An appraisal fee is an amount paid to an appraisal company to determine a home’s fair market value. Lenders require a property appraisal before they approve your loan as they want to ensure that the value of the loan does not exceed the value that you intend to buy. 


Your lender will require you to pay a professional property appraiser to make this determination. 


Your Credit Report  


Your lender will require a credit report to check your credit score and history. This report illustrates to the lender your creditworthiness and your capacity to pay back the loan. Your credit score will also affect the interest rate that you will get for your loan. 


The fee that you pay for a credit report will be paid to credit agencies such as Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Generally, a credit report costs $15-$30 but some lenders do not require a credit report fee as they obtain their credit reports at a discounted rate. 


Closing or Settlement Fee  


Closing or settlement fees are paid to the title company that conducts a closing. 


  • A title company coordinates the closing process with the buyer, seller, agents, lender, and any other parties involved in the sale. 
  • The fee covers the cost of all the work the title company does to complete the closing including the cost of preparing documents for closing


Title Search Fee  


The fee paid for a title search is paid to the title company to conduct a thorough search of the records of the home that you plan to buy. The title company examines previous deeds, liens, name and property indexes, court records, and a range of other documents. 


This is vital to ensure that there are no problems connected to the title of ownership to the property you are purchasing. 


MORE > What is Included in a Title Search? 


Various Forms of Insurance  


You may also need to budget for various types of insurance including: 


  • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Private Mortgage insurance is usually required if you take out a loan that is more than 80% loan-to-value or if the equity is less than 20%. You will also have to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium if you take out an FHA loan.   
     
  • Flood Insurance: If your new home is situated near a flood zone, your lender will require you to purchase flood insurance. 
     
  • Homeowners Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance covers any damages that occur to your home and its contents. Your lender will require you to pay the first year’s homeowner’s insurance premium at closing. 
     
  • Title Insurance: You must cover the lender’s title insurance costs at closing, which protects the lender from any liens that can arise during a house closing. It is also wise to pay for an owner’s title insurance policy to protect your rights as well. 


A house with a brick facade and a white garage door.

Close with Confidence  


You have a choice! Let our closing agents at True Concept Title manage the entire closing process for your new home from start to finish. While you are busy coordinating your move, we will handle the closing process for you. 


Are you ready to purchase and close on a new home and need a professional title search or title insurance? Call True Concept Title at (813) 263-7168 for all your title insurance, escrow, and closing needs! 

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In an age where technology continuously reshapes how we conduct transactions, e-closings, and digital signatures have emerged as transformative forces in the real estate industry. These innovations streamline the buying and selling process, offering numerous advantages over traditional paper-based closings. At True Concept Title Company , we embrace these advancements to provide clients with a seamless and efficient closing experience. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of e-closings and digital signatures. Convenience and Accessibility One of the most significant advantages of e-closings is their unparalleled convenience. Digital transactions eliminate the need for all parties to gather in person, allowing buyers, sellers, and agents to close deals from virtually anywhere in the world. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with tight schedules or those living in different locations. E-closings also empower you to review documents at your own pace. You can sign digital documents securely at a time that suits you, reducing the pressure to finalize everything in a meeting. This convenience translates to a more relaxed and stress-free experience for everyone involved. Enhanced Security Measures Digital signatures offer enhanced security features that protect the integrity of your documents. Electronic transactions often utilize encryption and secure identities to ensure that signatures are genuine and documents aren't altered post-signature. Many e-closing platforms offer audit trails , allowing you to trace every step of the signing process. This transparency provides peace of mind, as both parties can verify the authenticity of the documents and who accessed them. Additionally, digital storage of these documents reduces the risk of loss or damage compared to physical papers. Increased Efficiency and Speed E-closings significantly expedite closing, reducing the time to finalize real estate transactions. By eliminating the back-and-forth associated with mailing documents, closings can be completed more rapidly. This speed is particularly useful in competitive markets where timing can influence the success of a deal. Furthermore, e-closings streamline communication between all parties involved. Any changes or updates can be managed in real time, ensuring everyone stays informed and on the same page and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication. Environmentally Friendly Practices The shift from paper-based transactions to digital signatures contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices . By minimizing the need for printed documents, e-closings help reduce paper use and the carbon footprint of transporting physical documents. This eco-friendly approach is becoming increasingly important to clients conscious of their environmental impact. By adopting digital solutions, you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying the benefits of modern technology. Cost Savings E-closings can also lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the need for physical resources such as paper, printing, and postage, you can cut down on these expenses. Additionally, the increased efficiency of digital processes can save on administrative and labor costs. Moreover, fewer errors occur in digital processing, reducing costs associated with correcting mistakes commonly encountered in manual paperwork processing. Conclusion: As the real estate industry evolves, embracing e-closings and digital signatures represents a move towards greater efficiency, security, and convenience. At True Concept Title Company, we are committed to leveraging these technologies to enhance your closing experience. Whether buying or selling, consider opting for an e-closing to enjoy its many benefits. Ready to experience the convenience of e-closings and digital signatures? Contact True Concept Title Company today to learn how we can simplify your home transaction process with the latest digital solutions. Embrace the future of real estate with us!