Who Pays Closing Costs? The Buyer Or The Seller?

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are a mix of fees from the lender, title company, real estate agent, etc. Depending on your situation, what is included in your list of closing costs might be different. In some cases you can add these fees into your purchase offer, asking the seller to pay some if not all of your closing costs. Talk to your real estate agent about how this will work in your specific situation.

When purchasing a home, there are many costs you might not be prepared for…

  • Home Inspection

  • Appraisal

  • Loan Application Fee

  • Down Payment

  • Closing Costs

  • Moving Fees

  • New Furniture

  • Paint and Updates to the new home

The list goes on, right? So what costs can be covered by someone else? In most real estate markets, closing costs are part of the negotiation process. When you write an offer, you might be able to negotiate part or all of your closing costs to be paid for by the seller. How? It just depends on the situation, the terms of the offer, the amount you are asking for, etc.

So do sellers always pay closing costs for the buyer?

No, not always. But what it typically comes down to is the bottom line number. This means the seller takes your offer and all of the conditions, plugs it into a formula that will tell them what they will net or in some cases what the will owe. If that number is where they need to be and you asked them to pay for your closing costs, you might get them paid for by the seller. Again, it just depends on the situation, the market, the seller, your offer, etc.

So, now what?

Talk to your real estate agent about closing cost. When you go to write an offer make sure you think about closing costs. Do you want that to be something that is negotiated in? Having more money in your pocket after purchasing a home can be great to update, decorate, and fix things in your new home.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

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About Deborah Laemmerhirt

Let me assist you in finding everything you need to know about buying or selling a home! As the preeminent real estate professional in my community, I am dedicated to providing the finest service available while breaking new ground. Because the real estate industry is becoming more sophisticated and challenging every day, you need a professional that understands the industry and is positioned to stay ahead of the game. I go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals. That’s why I constantly research the home, market and estate values so your home is priced effectively from day one. I also make sure the public knows your home is for sale by using innovative marketing techniques to attract potential buyers. As an Internet-savvy real estate representative in Connecticut, I’ve had the opportunity to help many home buyers find their ideal homes and many sellers obtain top dollar for their homes. Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake, so I will help you through every step of the process. My goal is to make your home selling or buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. My services include: Explaining the home selling and buying process thoroughly Diligently selecting homes that meets your criteria Pricing your home correctly and implementing a unique yet proven marketing plan Negotiating on your behalf Tracking the closing process to ensure a smooth transaction I welcome the opportunity to address any questions you might have about buying, selling or current market conditions. Please call or e-mail me any time, and I will be happy to discuss your next steps in the buying or selling process. I specialize in both Residential and Commercial Properties. I also head a Real Estate Group to provide you with expert service and support. Areas of Expertise Making transitions in your life is challenging. You may be moving from out of town, a different state, internationally or just next door! Regardless of the distance I am prepared to respond to your unique needs.If you are a BUYER looking to downsize, up-size, want a new construction, desire a condominium, to invest, even if this is your first home, I will design a unique plan to fulfill your needs in a reasonable time frame, with the best negotiated price and the least amount of inconvenience.For my Home Sellers, I have an innovative marketing plan that will leave nothing to chance. Just call, and I would be happy to share the DIFFERENT and SUCCESSFUL TOOLS I utilize on each of my listings. I have lived in Connecticut for over 35 years. I practice Real Estate in Fairfield County, New Haven County and Litchfield County. This includes, but is not limited to Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Harwinton, Kent, Litchfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Oxford, Ridgefield, Redding, Roxbury, Sherman, Southbury, Warren, Washington, Westport and Wilton.