What is Closing Cost?
Diving into the world of homeownership, you’re bound to encounter terms that might feel foreign. One of those is ‘closing costs’. But, what are they exactly? Closing costs encompass the sundry fees and charges that come with finalizing a property transaction. In the Lone Star State, these can range from 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. So, if you’re buying a house in Texas at $250,000, you can anticipate closing costs between $5,000 and $12,500. However, these figures can fluctuate, influenced by aspects such as loan type, lender-specific fees, and location of the property.
Who Pays Closing Costs in Texas?
In Texas, both buyers and sellers have a part to play when it comes to closing costs. The specific expenses each party shoulders can differ based on negotiations during the sales agreement. It’s crucial, therefore, to understand the typical charges you could encounter, whether you’re buying or selling.
Seller’s Closing Costs in Texas: What to Expect
Selling a property in Texas? Here’s what you need to know about your share of closing costs.
The REALTOR Fee
In Texas, the REALTOR fee typically ranges from 5-6% of the home’s selling price. This fee compensates the real estate agents involved in the sale.
Recording Fee
The recording fee varies by county but is usually a minimal cost, often less than $50. This fee is for recording the change of property ownership with the county recorder’s office.
Escrow Fee
The escrow fee is typically split between the buyer and seller, and it covers the cost of a third party holding and managing funds during the transaction. In Texas, this fee averages $500-$1500.
Home Inspection Fee
While often paid by the buyer, the seller may agree to cover the home inspection fee as part of the sales agreement. This fee can range from $300-$500.
Buyer’s Guide: Texas Closing Costs
Buying a home is exciting, but it’s essential to understand what costs you’ll be responsible for at closing.
Property-related Fees
These are costs related to the property itself and can include appraisal fees (around $300-$400), survey costs (typically $350-$500), and a title search fee (approximately $200).
Lender Related Fees
Lender-related fees can encompass loan origination fees (0.5-1% of the loan amount), credit report fees ($25-$50), and possibly discount points if you choose to lower your interest rate. It’s worth shopping around and negotiating with lenders to find the best deal.
Don’t forget, understanding closing costs can make your property transaction smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re buying or selling in Texas, being aware of these costs will help you budget more effectively and potentially save money.
How are Closing Costs Calculated?
Calculating closing costs in Texas involves a combination of factors, such as loan type, property location, and the individual fees associated with the transaction. As a general rule, closing costs range between 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. However, this percentage can fluctuate depending on the specific fees and charges involved. To determine the exact amount of closing costs, it’s essential to work with your lender and request a detailed breakdown of the fees you’ll encounter.
Closing Costs in Texas for Refinance
Refinancing your mortgage can offer financial benefits, such as securing a lower interest rate or reducing monthly payments. However, refinancing also comes with its own set of closing costs. In Texas, refinance closing costs can vary but typically fall within the 2-5% range of the new loan amount.
These costs may include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, credit report fees, and title search fees. Similar to home purchases, the exact amount of closing costs depends on factors like the loan type, lender, and location of the property. It’s crucial to shop around for the best deal when refinancing, as different lenders may offer varying rates and fees.
Junk Closing Costs to Watch Out For
While most closing costs are legitimate and necessary, some “junk” fees may be added to inflate the lender’s profit. Keep an eye out for these charges and ask your lender to justify or remove them if they seem excessive or unnecessary. Examples of junk closing costs include:
- Administrative fees: These fees may appear under different names, such as “document preparation fees” or “processing fees.” While some administrative fees may be valid, be cautious of exorbitant or duplicated charges.
- Courier fees: Some lenders may charge excessive courier fees, even when electronic document delivery is used. Always ask for a justification of courier fees.
- Underwriting fees: While underwriting fees are standard, inflated fees can be considered junk costs. It’s essential to compare the underwriting fees charged by different lenders to ensure you’re paying a reasonable amount
How Much Are Closing Costs in Texas?
Closing costs in Texas can vary depending on several factors, including the lender you choose and the fees charged by your real estate attorney. According to a 2022 report from CoreLogic’s ClosingCorp, the national average for mortgage closing costs on a single-family home, excluding transfer taxes, was $3,860.
However, in Texas, the average closing costs amount to approximately $4,548, which is about 1.5 percent of the average sale price of a home in the state. It’s important to note that these figures do not include real estate commission fees.
The variation in closing costs across different states is significant. While some states have closing costs that fall below 1 percent of the home’s sale price, others can go as high as 4 or 5 percent. In Texas, the average closing costs are slightly higher than the national average but still within a reasonable range.
As an experienced professional in the mortgage loan and property market, Help individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams. My mission is to simplify your real estate journey and secure the best possible outcomes in this ever-changing market.
