See the real cash you'll need at closing
Know exactly how much cash to bring to the closing table. Get a realistic line-by-line estimate of lender fees, title, escrow, and prepaid items — so you're not blindsided three days before closing.
Home & loan details
Estimated totals
Your actual closing costs may differ based on your lender, location, and home inspections. Estimates only based on national averages. Always confirm with a licensed lender.
What this means for your cash to close
On a $400,000 home in this state tier, expect about $13,198 in closing costs — roughly 3.30% of the price. Add your $40,000 down payment and plan for a total of $53,198 cash at the closing table.
Typical buyer closing costs run 2–5% of the purchase price. Below 2.5% is low, around 3% is typical for most US markets, and 4–5%+ is common in NY, NJ, and DC.
Low vs. typical vs. high-cost state
Same $400,000 home, 10.0% down — only the state tier changes.
| Scenario | Low-cost TX / FL / NC | Typical National avg | High-cost NY / NJ / CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total closing costs | $12,798 | $13,198 | $13,758 |
| % of home price | 3.20% | 3.30% | 3.44% |
| Cash to close | $52,798 | $53,198 | $53,758 |
Recording and transfer taxes are the biggest swing factor between low and high-cost states.
Cash-to-close checklist
Every dollar you’ll need at the closing table.
- Down payment: $40,000Wired to the title company 1–2 days before closing.
- Lender fees: $4,265Origination, underwriting, appraisal, credit.
- Title & settlement: $4,300Title insurance (both policies) plus settlement agent fee.
- Inspections & surveys: $900Home inspection (typically paid before closing) + survey.
- Prepaids & escrow: $2,133First year of homeowners insurance + 2 months of property tax.
- Government fees & transfer taxes: $1,600Recording fees and transfer taxes — biggest state-to-state swing.
- Total cash to close: $53,198Confirm the exact number on your Closing Disclosure 3 days before closing.
Common mistakes buyers make
Use the checklist to plan the rest of your buying process
Closing is one line on your path. See the full step-by-step guide for first-time buyers — from pre-approval through move-in day.
Common buyer closing costs
Closing costs cover the many fees that make a home purchase official. Our estimate includes lender fees, title insurance, prepaid taxes and insurance, and recording / transfer taxes (which vary a lot by state).
Ways to reduce closing costs
- Ask for seller concessions. In a balanced market, sellers often cover 1–3% of closing costs.
- Shop lenders — origination fees and discount points vary widely.
- Look at first-time buyer programs in your state; many offer closing cost assistance.
- Negotiate title and settlement fees. You’re usually allowed to pick your own title company.
Average closing costs by state
Typical buyer closing costs as a percentage of purchase price. Includes lender fees, title, and transfer taxes where applicable.
| State | Typical closing cost % | On $350,000 home |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 5.0% | $17,500 |
| New York | 4.5% | $15,750 |
| Pennsylvania | 4.0% | $14,000 |
| Washington | 3.8% | $13,300 |
| Maryland | 3.6% | $12,600 |
| Connecticut | 3.4% | $11,900 |
| Florida | 3.3% | $11,550 |
| New Jersey | 3.2% | $11,200 |
| California | 2.8% | $9,800 |
| Massachusetts | 2.8% | $9,800 |
| Illinois | 2.5% | $8,750 |
| Virginia | 2.4% | $8,400 |
| Texas | 2.3% | $8,050 |
| Georgia | 2.2% | $7,700 |
| Arizona | 2.2% | $7,700 |
| North Carolina | 2.1% | $7,350 |
| Ohio | 2.0% | $7,000 |
| Colorado | 1.9% | $6,650 |
| Tennessee | 1.9% | $6,650 |
| Indiana | 1.8% | $6,300 |
| Missouri | 1.7% | $5,950 |
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